Summary
NATO leaders, including Germany and the U.S., are meeting in The Hague to discuss increased defense spending and support for Ukraine. Germany has committed to boosting its defense budget. The summit will also address the situation in Ukraine and feature discussions between leaders like U.S. President Trump and Ukraine's President Zelensky.
Key Facts
- The meeting in The Hague is a significant NATO summit focused on European defense.
- Germany's Chancellor Merz stated that Russia only responds to force and pledged Germany's fair share for European defense.
- NATO leaders plan to commit to spending 3.5% of GDP on defense, with an additional 1.5% on related needs, like infrastructure and cybersecurity.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized U.S. commitment to NATO and urged European nations to increase defense spending.
- Ten people were killed in recent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, with further casualties in Dnipro and Sumy.
- German Chancellor Merz said that efforts to negotiate with Russia have been unsuccessful.
- NATO countries plan a new investment initiative to reach a defense spending goal of 5% of GDP.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet U.S. President Trump at the summit, their first meeting since April.
