The Hague, Netherlands — On the fringes of the NATO summit, former President Donald Trump engaged in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting the potential significance of enhanced defense expenditure by NATO members in deterring future Russian military actions against neighboring nations.
The summit saw an agreement among NATO allies to elevate their defense spending targets, committing to 5% of their gross domestic product by 2035. This target encompasses core defense and security-related expenditures, marking a shift from the previous target of 2%.
“By Europe assuming greater responsibility for its security, we can avert crises like the current situation with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump remarked during a press conference that concluded the summit. His meeting with Zelenskyy was a pivotal part of the summit’s dialogue on security and future cooperation.
Trump reiterated a familiar stance regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting Putin’s interest in concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which escalated with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. “He’s eager to exit this predicament. It’s not easy for him,” Trump shared. He recounted a recent conversation with Putin, where Trump urged for a focus on resolving the Russian conflict instead of other issues.
This meeting marked the first in-person interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy since an earlier encounter at St. Peter’s Basilica during Pope Francis’ funeral. Their previous interaction at the White House this year had also been a point of contention.
Zelenskyy shared on social media that discussions with Trump covered the potential collaboration in using American technology for drone production and acquiring U.S. air defense systems. He stated, “Together, we can bolster our defenses.” Additionally, conversations covered current developments on the battlefield, with Zelenskyy asserting, “Putin is definitely not winning.”
Trump did not rule out the possibility of providing additional U.S.-manufactured Patriot air defense missile systems to Ukraine. Addressing a question from a Ukrainian journalist whose spouse serves in Ukraine’s military, Trump acknowledged the Patriots’ critical role in the Ukrainian defense strategy.
“They’re keen on securing these anti-missile systems, particularly the Patriots,” Trump said. “We’ll explore the availability. We also rely on them for our security. We’re supplying Israel with them, and their effectiveness is unrivaled. Ukraine prioritizes these systems greatly.”
Throughout the conflict, the U.S. has encouraged allies to offer air defense systems to Ukraine, though many countries remain hesitant due to the advanced technology and shared concerns of Russian aggression, especially in Eastern Europe.
Trump criticized U.S. media during his news conference but expressed empathy towards the Ukrainian reporter’s poignant question, extending an unusual warmth, wishing her husband well. “That’s an excellent question,” Trump responded. “I can see this is very emotional for you, so please send my regards to your husband.”
Although Ukraine isn’t a NATO member, its situation has been central at recent alliance gatherings. However, Zelenskyy wasn’t present in the room as the summit in the Netherlands began, partly because of the U.S. administration’s hindrance of Ukraine’s NATO membership bid.
The ongoing conflict has ravaged numerous Ukrainian towns, resulting in substantial civilian casualties. Just recently, Russia carried out a significant drone attack, marking one of the largest assaults of the war.
During Trump’s ongoing 2024 presidential campaign, he pledged a swift resolution to the conflict, criticizing it as an unnecessary burden that wouldn’t have occurred had he retained office in 2020. Nonetheless, since assuming office, he has faced challenges in crafting a resolution and voices frustration with both Putin and Zelenskyy.
In The Hague, Zelenskyy engaged in multiple meetings and secured an assurance from the Netherlands for military support, including advanced drones and radar systems aimed at countering Russian forces. Details of Zelenskyy’s extensive meeting with Trump were withheld from the press at the White House’s discretion.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the UK would supply Ukraine with 350 air defense missiles. This initiative is financed by 70 million pounds ($95 million) generated from the interest accrued on Russian assets that have been seized.