**Zelensky May Skip NATO Summit Over Uncertainty About Trump’s Attendance**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may not attend the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, as questions remain over U.S. President Donald Trump’s participation. According to unnamed Ukrainian officials cited by the Guardian, some in Kyiv are unsure if Zelensky’s presence at the June 24-25 summit would be worthwhile without a confirmed meeting with Trump.
The uncertainty stems from Trump’s previous failure to meet with Zelensky during the G7 summit in Canada, where he left early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. This lack of engagement has raised concerns that Ukraine may not receive the support it needs to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into accepting a ceasefire.
**Trump’s Participation Still Unclear**
Despite German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly saying that Trump had previously promised to attend the NATO gathering, no official confirmation has been issued from Washington. The Guardian quoted one Ukrainian official as saying that Ukraine is in a “permanent hazard” of becoming a victim of “Trump’s short attention span,” which has allowed Russia to exploit this uncertainty by launching fresh aerial attacks.
**Zelensky Finds Silver Lining**
Despite the uncertainty, Zelensky has found some silver lining in his visit to Canada. In a Telegram post on June 17, he thanked partners for increased military aid, new sanctions on Russia, and the decision to allocate frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a support package that includes 2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.5 billion) in military assistance and another $1.6 billion in reconstruction loans.
**EU Ready to Toughen Sanctions**
Meanwhile, European Union leaders are ready to toughen sanctions on Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The move comes as intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least 14 people and injured 117 in Kyiv overnight on June 17.
**Zelensky Calls for Action**
In a statement, Zelensky called on allies to press Trump to “use his real influence” to help end the war. He also accused Russia of exploiting Ukraine’s situation, saying that the country is being held hostage by Putin’s aggression.
**The Debate Continues**
The debate over sanctions and Ukraine’s support continues, with some arguing that more needs to be done to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire. As the world waits for clarity on Trump’s participation in the NATO summit, one thing is certain: Ukraine remains at the forefront of international attention, as it battles for its future and security.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
