**US Denies Opposing Zelensky’s Participation at NATO Summit**
In a statement made on May 15, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that the United States opposes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. When asked by reporters about the alleged opposition, Rubio said, “No, I don’t know where that’s coming from.” He explained that many leaders who are not members of NATO are invited to conferences, but not necessarily to the leaders’ meeting.
This denial comes after multiple European news agencies reported on May 14 that allies have agreed not to extend an invitation to Ukraine in order to appease US President Donald Trump. These reports were based on unnamed diplomatic sources and have not been publicly confirmed by NATO officials. It’s worth noting that Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not meeting the alliance’s 2% of GDP defense spending benchmark and has pushed for it to be raised to 5%. He has also stated that Ukraine will not immediately join NATO as part of any agreed-upon peace deal.
Zelensky has attended every NATO summit since February 2022, with his last appearance being in person at the 2024 summit in Washington. His participation at future summits has been a topic of interest for many observers due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Rubio’s statement suggests that the US does not oppose Zelensky’s participation, but it remains unclear whether he will ultimately receive an invitation.
**The Implications**
Rubio’s denial of opposition to Zelensky’s participation is a significant development in the context of the ongoing NATO summit preparations. The alliance has been facing pressure from Trump and other US officials to increase defense spending and to prioritize unity over Ukraine’s membership aspirations. By denying opposition, Rubio appears to be signaling that the US will not use its influence to block Zelensky’s participation at the upcoming summit.
However, it remains unclear what exactly “participation” means in this context. Will Zelensky be invited to the leaders’ meeting, or just to a conference? The ambiguity surrounding his potential invitation is likely to continue until NATO officials make an official announcement.
**The Bigger Picture**
The ongoing debate about Ukraine’s participation at NATO summits reflects deeper tensions within the alliance. Trump’s criticism of NATO members for not meeting defense spending targets has created divisions among member states, with some countries pushing back against US demands. The fact that Zelensky’s participation is now a subject of debate underscores the challenges facing the alliance in balancing its commitment to unity and cooperation with the need to accommodate competing interests and priorities.
As this situation continues to unfold, it will be essential for NATO officials to provide clear guidance on Zelensky’s potential participation. The fate of Ukraine’s invitation could have significant implications for the future direction of the alliance and for Ukraine’s own security and diplomatic prospects.
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