Rutte fears a disruption of the NATO summit due to the conflict between Trump and Zelensky – NYT

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte fears that the June NATO summit may be derailed due to the conflict between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was reported by The New York Times, citing sources.

The publication states that Rutte wants the summit in the Netherlands, scheduled for June 24–25, to be “short and substantive,” and to avoid “the open disagreement over Ukraine that overshadowed the meeting two years ago,” when Ukraine and its allies tried to secure guarantees for its accession.

“But two things could complicate the upcoming event: President Trump, who is expected to participate, is at odds with allies over Ukraine’s future. And Ukraine itself is eager to join NATO — a result to which Trump is opposed,” writes The New York Times.

However, it is still unclear in what format Zelensky will participate and whether he will be invited to the main dinner at the opening of the summit.

At the same time, White House officials have warned their European counterparts that a reduction in the number of U.S. troops in Europe is inevitable. This will also be an important topic of discussion.

Officials say this year’s communiqué will be brief and concise. It is still under development.