At the NATO summit held in The Hague, US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a crucial discussion centred on the ongoing war with Russia and the path towards peace.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on X, saying, “I had a long and substantive meeting with President Trump. We covered all the truly important issues. I thank Mr. President, I thank the United States. We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people. We appreciate the attention and the readiness to help bring peace closer.”
Trump says it’s “a great time to end it”
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the interaction with Zelenskyy positively, remarking, “He couldn’t have been nicer. I think he’d like to see an end to this… I think it’s a great time to end it. I’m going to speak to Vladimir Putin; see if we can get it ended.”
Trump also addressed questions about Iran’s nuclear material, stating, “No, just the opposite. We think we hit them so hard and so fast, it didn’t get to move… it’s very hard and very dangerous to move.”
Commenting on the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the US President said, “I dealt with both, and they’re both tired, exhausted. They fought very, very hard and very viciously… and they were both satisfied to go home and get out.”
He further elaborated on the outcomes of the recent summit, stressing the need for NATO countries to boost their defence budgets. “A major focus of our conversations at the Summit was the need of other NATO members to take up the burden of the defence of Europe… In a very historic milestone, this week, the NATO allies committed to dramatically increase their defence spending to that 5% of GDP,” Trump said.
Trump praises US strike on Iranian nuclear sites
Trump also hailed what he called a successful US military operation, saying, “Last weekend, the United States successfully carried out a massive precision strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities… this incredible exercise of American strength has paved the way for peace, with a historic ceasefire agreement.”
He praised American pilots for their performance during the strike, stating, “The pilots did an unbelievable job like nobody’s ever seen. They hit paydirt.”
Zelenskyy’s evolving wardrobe draws attention
Zelenskyy’s appearance at the NATO summit also caught the eye of observers and the media, with many noting a shift in his sartorial choices. The Ukrainian President, once known for his military-style outfits, appeared in a rugged black suit and shirt, foregoing a traditional tie or white shirt. This marks a change from his February Oval Office visit with Trump, which ended in a tense exchange and criticism from a US reporter about his attire.
The Ukrainian edition of ELLE magazine called the transformation a “visual diplomacy of a new kind,” noting his tailored, yet understated, choices during recent diplomatic engagements in London, Rome, and The Hague.
Zelenskyy’s updated wardrobe has been interpreted as a strategic move to balance solidarity with frontline troops and the expectations of international diplomacy.
