**US President Donald Trump to Meet Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelensky at NATO Summit**
As the world waits with bated breath, US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at a crucial NATO summit in The Hague on June 25. In a pre-meeting press briefing, Trump described Zelensky as a “nice guy” and revealed that they would be discussing his country’s difficulties.
According to a White House statement, the meeting between the two leaders was confirmed on June 24, but further details were kept under wraps. However, diplomatic sources told AFP that the talks between Zelensky and Trump are scheduled for early afternoon and both sides are finalizing their agenda.
So, what exactly will be on the table? The planned purchase of a new defense package, including air defense systems, is expected to top the agenda. Additionally, the two leaders may discuss imposing further sanctions on Russia and implementing an international price cap on Russian oil.
When asked by a reporter what they would be discussing during their meeting, Trump was tight-lipped about the specifics. However, he did confirm that Ukraine’s challenges will be at the forefront of their talks. “He’s got a little difficulty,” Trump said with a hint of understatement.
The NATO summit comes at an uncertain time for Ukraine, which has been struggling to maintain its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression. Just last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that “all of Ukraine is ours,” sparking fears about US support for Kyiv’s efforts to resist Moscow’s territorial ambitions.
This will be the first meeting between Zelensky and Trump since April, when they briefly met on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome. A planned discussion at the G7 summit earlier this month fell through after both leaders left the event early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and a drone attack on Kyiv.
**Ukraine’s President Office Holds Substantive Talks with US Secretary of State**
To prepare for their meeting, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, held “substantive” talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions centered on the structure and key topics of the Zelensky-Trump meeting.
During his stay in The Hague, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These meetings are seen as crucial for reaffirming Ukraine’s alliances with Western powers amidst Russia’s ongoing aggression.
In a recent interview with Sky News, Zelensky expressed uncertainty about Trump’s ties to Putin but emphasized his confidence that Trump understands the critical role of Ukraine in US foreign policy. “The real existential enemy of America is Russia,” he said starkly.
**What Next?**
With tensions between Russia and Ukraine simmering just below the surface, this meeting between Zelensky and Trump carries immense weight. Will they be able to hammer out a mutually beneficial agreement on defense assistance and sanctions against Moscow? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain: the eyes of the world are upon these two leaders as they navigate the complex landscape of global politics.
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