Ukraine’s Zelensky to come to Nato summit in The Hague

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Nato summit in The Hague on June 24 and 25, sources have confirmed to broadcaster NOS.

Zelensky had said earlier Ukraine would be represented at the meeting, but did not clarify if he would be attending himself.

The Netherlands and other European countries have said Zelensky’s presence at the meeting is vitally important, but it is still unclear where a discussion with him will be fitted in, NOS Nato correspondent Kysia Hekster said.

Zelensky will not be present at the meeting on Wednesday, which only includes the heads of state and government leaders of the 32 member countries. He may put in an appearance at the dinner given by king Willem-Alexander on the eve of the summit, but this will require some tact when it comes to the seating arrangements, Hekster said.

American president Donald Trump, whose presence was confirmed by the White House on Tuesday, does not want to share the limelight with his Ukrainian counterpart, with whom he has a difficult relationship, she said.

“Apart from the invitations, it is also among Rutte’s responsibilities to solve the seating puzzle. All will probably be revealed on the night,” Hekster said.

One of the main items on the agenda is defence spending by Nato countries, which has a current target of 2% of GDP but which may be raised to 5%.