Today, June 24, the two-day NATO summit in The Hague , whose participants are carefully avoiding differences, trying to show unity. At the same time, there is an understanding among Ukraine's European allies that the administration of US President Donald Trump is not ready to provide Kyiv with new military assistance.

Tensions between Zelensky and Trump

As it says The Washington Post, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a guest of honor at NATO summits. This year, the Ukrainian leader is taking a back seat as NATO leaders don't want to annoy Trump.

The publication recalled that on the way to the summit, the US president told reporters that he would"probably" meet with Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit. However, NATO officials are trying to keep them as far apart as possible, as the head of the White House shows clear contempt for the Ukrainian leader.

"Our friends from NATO countries understand the delicacy of the situation and are trying to do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is represented at the summit, but at the same time not to cause Trump's discontent," Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, told reporters.

The publication emphasized that US-Russia talks have reached a dead end, and Trump is not going to push the Kremlin to a ceasefire. Officials told reporters that the suspension of US arms supplies would worsen Ukraine's situation on the battlefield. It would also increase pressure on European allies.

Zelensky planned to talk to Trump at the G7 summit in Canada to offer to pay for the supply of American weapons, the publication recalled. However, their meeting did not take place because the US president left the summit early.

The publication shared that Ukrainian officials now hope that Zelensky can convince Trump in The Hague of his offer to buy American weapons, including air defense systems. European officials have also put forward a proposal to provide money for future deliveries of American weapons.

Diplomats told reporters that Zelensky is likely to join NATO leaders, including Trump, at a dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands tonight.

American aid to Ukraine under question

The publication recalled that US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said in June that the Trump administration had not yet made any decisions on new aid to Ukraine. According to him, the US president is still focused on ceasefire negotiations.

But the peace talks have stalled for weeks, prompting Trump to threaten to pull out, the publication added. Moreover, the US is now embroiled in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

NATO leaders acknowledged during the summit that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will try to drag out the war against Ukraine while diplomatic efforts falter.

European officials told reporters that their latest military aid deliveries had bought Ukraine more time, and that Kyiv was producing more of its own weapons, including artillery and drones.

However, the cessation of military assistance from the United States will reduce Ukraine's chances of achieving success on the battlefield, the publication believes. NATO representatives do not expect a quick breakthrough on the front line and predict that in the current situation the Ukrainians will be able to hold out for another year.

"In our opinion, this will not lead to a complete collapse within 12 months. You probably have another year, but Ukraine will be in a very difficult position. They will be fighting in a defensive position almost all the time. We will face a shortage of air defenses, tank brigades and missile stocks, so you can expect more stringent rationing of ammunition," a senior NATO official told reporters.

Three European officials told reporters they were confident Europe could convince Trump to sell U.S. weapons to Ukraine, but the final decision will ultimately depend on the U.S. president.

Why Trump should be interested in selling weapons to Ukraine

Previously, former US special representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker said that US President Donald Trump may agree to sell weapons to Ukraine , if such a deal seems profitable to him. He emphasized that the head of Washington thinks in terms of deals.

According to him, Trump, as a businessman, would be interested in supporting American industry. Moreover, he does not want to use US taxpayers' money for this.