NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the NATO summit in The Hague, according to NATO sources. Zelensky confirmed Ukraine received an invitation but did not specify if it was addressed to him personally.
Despite U.S. objections, European NATO members strongly advocated for Zelensky's attendance. They linked this request to the U.S. demand for increased defense budgets, a key agenda item for President Donald Trump. It remains unclear which parts of the summit Zelensky may attend.
Zelensky is expected to receive an invitation to the dinner with Trump and other NATO leaders hosted by the Dutch king on June 24. However, he will not participate in the leaders' meeting on Wednesday. He may speak at a gathering of NATO foreign ministers or attend a meeting of the 'coalition of willing' nations.
Zelensky will likely bring a significant delegation, including the first deputy prime minister and ministers of defense and foreign affairs. NATO has not confirmed Rutte personally invited Zelensky but stated Ukraine received an invitation.
