**Zelensky Plans to Meet Trump at NATO Summit**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24. According to Zelensky, his team is working to finalize the timing of the meeting.
In an interview with Sky News published on June 24, Zelensky confirmed that there are plans for a meeting with Trump. When asked if it would be a formal discussion or an informal encounter, he replied that it was simply a matter of scheduling. “They are talking about timing,” he said.
Zelensky’s participation in the summit was previously uncertain due to doubts surrounding Trump’s attendance. However, the European Council confirmed his participation on June 20. Upon arrival in The Hague, Zelensky met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and held a “substantive” discussion about the upcoming meeting.
**A Complicated Meeting**
Zelensky also addressed concerns about Trump’s perceived closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It is a complicated question because I truly do not know what relationship Trump has with Putin,” he said. He added that he believes Trump understands Ukraine is a US ally, and that the real existential enemy of America is Russia.
“They will never be friends. They may be short-term partners, but they will never be friends,” Zelensky stated. He expressed hope that Trump’s approach to Russia is tactical, intended to pressure Putin into peace negotiations. “I would like this approach to be only a way to force Putin to the negotiating table and to end the war. And let us hope so,” he said.
**A Busy Schedule**
Zelensky has a busy schedule at the summit, with meetings planned with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He also plans to discuss the structure, agenda, and key topics for his meeting with Trump.
In May, Zelensky was scheduled to meet Trump at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France. However, both leaders left the multilateral event early due to a renewed conflict between Israel and Iran.
