Ukraine pressures NATO summit, demands to block Russian defense industry
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy arrived at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands on Monday evening, one day before the NATO leaders' summit held in The Hague. Although he will not attend the leaders' meeting aimed at reaching an agreement on increasing military spending, Zelenskyy will hold a series of meetings in The Hague. Ukraine and its supporters hope that the Ukraine issue becomes the focus of this summit, but some are concerned that Trump is unwilling to let Zelenskyy "steal the spotlight".
On June 24, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy called on NATO allies to increase investment in Ukraine's defense production and take measures to cut off foreign components used by Russia in weapon production.
Zelenskyy said at the defense forum in The Hague: "Please make sure that our defensive potential and our partners' potential serve our peace, not Russia's madness." He also pointed out that almost all Russian weapons contain components from other countries, including Europe, NATO countries, and the United States. "Every component or machine tool provided to Russia's defense industry helps prolong the war, which is a crime against peace."
Zelenskyy emphasized that the root of this war, and the long-term threat to the European way of life, is Russia. But in reality, they are facing not just one country, but an aggressive network, "including Russia, North Korea, and the current regime in Iran."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on Europe to "stop worrying" about the United States before the summit. He said the US "is still with us," but Trump hopes allies take on more responsibility for defense spending. Rutte emphasized that European countries should focus on enhancing their defense capabilities and continue supporting Ukraine.
Source: rfi
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835823822165002/
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