NATO’s Tightrope: Welcoming Zelenskiy Without Triggering Trump

Jun 06, 2025 Khushi Kumari

NATO is preparing for a crucial summit in The Hague (June 24–25, 2025), balancing Ukraine support with avoiding U.S. political backlash

[{"selector":"#anim-064b24b2-bb35-44b6-84d3-34dba2d2e254 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-33.99356607934417%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-27d22081-ec00-4e11-b16d-fea852c9199f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Alliance officials are seeking a middle path—welcoming Zelenskiy's presence without provoking former President Donald Trump

[{"selector":"#anim-0ff84f1b-6c80-48e7-b93a-963c2e9883dc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1d841b0f-52f0-415c-8aa2-1154e5e588a5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Ukraine has been invited, but it remains uncertain if President Zelenskiy was personally invited to the summit

[{"selector":"#anim-70481aba-9bc7-4332-a7a4-18e0e2f5499b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-36.33346551201374%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-eaab005b-f5dd-4b0a-94d7-6936981334bc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

NATO may limit Zelenskiy to a pre-summit dinner, excluding him from main sessions to reduce friction

[{"selector":"#anim-cbebe50e-1078-4f54-86eb-a56551441b9c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-33.99356607934417%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7b66a554-41e1-46d9-a3bf-f43beed344f0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Even mentioning Russia as a threat might be toned down, as NATO seeks to avoid igniting Trump’s ire

[{"selector":"#anim-087c6112-b97e-4c16-b980-630c4d3c44e3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-37.69531243183544%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d3a86f0e-f052-4e7c-89ab-81ed7cfad34b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

A major focus will be defense spending, with targets pushed to 3.5% of GDP plus another 1.5% on military infrastructure by 2032

[{"selector":"#anim-49fe6a8b-57de-4eab-96e0-953929494e64 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.15900725681865%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b8156fa8-7e5b-4fc9-af30-59f940f68eae","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Trump is expected to push even higher—up to 5% of GDP, testing how far allies will go

[{"selector":"#anim-8410e8fa-9677-43d8-a18a-a34d7dd0f6b6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-97fbaefa-cabe-4196-97a6-ff44770d66d5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

NATO diplomats emphasize flexibility, ensuring symbolic Ukraine representation while preserving alliance unity under Trump’s shadow

[{"selector":"#anim-c41e8615-8d96-4f1c-9bc7-33071b987a7d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2500,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cca01ecc-e9c5-45f7-a935-fa51fbadabd1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Read More Top National Parks in India for Breathtaking Scenic Drives 300+ Soldiers Donate Blood to Aid Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims Father’s Day special| Pratibha Ranta: I’m in the film industry because of my papa Uorfi Javed Calls Apoorva ‘Mannerless’ After Explosive Clash on The Traitors