NOS News
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Tuesday, 21:26
NATO chief Rutte invites President Zelensky to NATO summit

NATO Secretary General Rutte has invited Ukrainian President Zelensky to the NATO summit later this month in The Hague. Sources confirmed this to NOS.

Zelensky had previously said that Ukraine had received an invitation, but left it unclear whether he had been personally invited.

NATO correspondent Kysia Hekster:
"The Netherlands has repeatedly informed NATO chief Rutte that it considers it important as a host country that Zelensky comes to the summit in The Hague. And for many other NATO countries, the presence of the Ukrainian president is also a condition. For Rutte, it is a puzzle where Zelensky fits exactly into the program.

He will certainly not be at the meeting on Wednesday, which is only for the heads of state and government of the 32 NATO member states. He will probably be at the dinner with the king the night before, but it is not yet clear what the seating arrangement will be.

US President Trump does not want to be overshadowed by his Ukrainian colleague, with whom he has a difficult relationship. Presumably we will only see on the evening itself how Rutte, who as host is not only responsible for the invitations but even the seating arrangement, has put together the puzzle."

One of the most important points on the table is raising the defence standard, which is currently set at 2 percent of gross domestic product, but there is a plan to raise it to 5 percent.

In addition, the White House confirmed tonight that US President Trump will also attend the NATO summit. Two weeks ago, caretaker Prime Minister Schoof had already announced the arrival of the US President after a telephone conversation with him.