Media: Trump celebrates NATO defence milestones as Ukraine faces waning support

As NATO leaders gather in The Hague, US President Donald Trump is poised to celebrate key diplomatic and defence milestones, while Ukraine faces a more subdued show of support. The summit, scheduled to begin with a dinner hosted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander on June 24 evening followed by a brief working session, marks a significant moment in transatlantic relations.

After years of criticizing European defence spending, Trump arrives to witness allies’ agreement—championed by NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte—to raise core defence budgets to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

This commitment, though less ambitious than Rutte’s initial 2032 target, represents a substantial increase for many member states including France, Germany, and the UK. “People understood and realised that if you want to maintain the British language and not switch to Russian in London, then you have to defend yourself, and to defend yourself against Russia, which is now producing four times as much ammunition as the whole of NATO,” Rutte stated.

Trump’s recent decisive actions, including the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, further bolster his position at the summit. Unless the ceasefire collapses, Trump is expected to approach the gathering with a confident, self-congratulatory tone.

Despite this, concerns remain over the extent of US support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is invited to the summit dinner but excluded from the working meeting, signaling waning US military aid under Trump’s administration. Former NATO spokesperson Jamie Shea commented, “The meeting would be disappointing for Ukraine, especially as most allies would have wanted much stronger language on support, the open door for Ukraine’s NATO membership and a clearer path on sanctions against Russia.”

As a result, Ukraine’s support is likely to shift more toward the EU and the UK-Germany-led Ukraine contact group. However, European efforts alone may not fully compensate for reduced US military backing, potentially leaving Ukraine in a protracted defensive struggle against Russia.

While the summit primarily focuses on Russia’s threat, developments in the Middle East loom large in global headlines. For now, NATO’s direct role in the region remains limited, though future shifts cannot be ruled out.

Spain’s reluctance to commit fully to the 3.5 per cent spending target adds some last-minute tension. “No exemptions or opt-outs,” Rutte affirmed, emphasizing that adherence will be monitored over time.

By Vafa Guliyeva