Zelensky seeks additional $175 billion military aid for Ukraine at Dutch Defense Forum amid rising tensions
By bellecarter // 2025-06-29
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  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested an additional $175 billion in military aid during a defense industry event in the Netherlands, emphasizing the need to stop Putin's aggression not just in Ukraine but also to protect European countries.
  • The two-day NATO event in The Hague aimed to highlight alliance unity against Russia's attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky warned European defense executives about Russia's plans for military operations on NATO territory, urging increased defense spending across Europe.
  • The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent missile strikes in southeast Ukraine that killed at least 11 people. Zelensky stressed the need for a united front, highlighting that the threat extends beyond Ukraine to the entire European continent.
  • President Donald Trump, who was also in The Hague, hinted at a potential meeting with Zelensky, though his commitment to NATO's mutual defense clause has been questioned. Trump's past interactions with Ukraine, including a controversial phone call in 2019, have complicated U.S.-Ukraine relations.
  • Zelensky's meeting with Trump and the NATO summit's decisions are crucial for Ukraine's defense strategy. A strengthened U.S. commitment could enhance European security and deter Russia, while any hesitation might embolden Russia and destabilize the region. Zelensky seeks substantial purchases of American weaponry, particularly Patriot missile systems, to bolster Ukraine's defenses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, June 24, called for an additional $175 billion in military aid during a high-profile defense industry event in the Netherlands, just days before the NATO summit in The Hague. Zelensky, whose participation in the main NATO summit was scaled back, delivered a stark warning to European defense executives: "Russia is even planning new military operations on NATO territory – meaning your countries," he said, according to European press reports. "No doubt we must stop Putin now, and in Ukraine, but we have to understand that his objectives reach beyond Ukraine. European countries need to increase defense spending." The two-day NATO event, which began on Tuesday, is designed to underscore alliance unity in the face of Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine. Earlier, missile strikes in southeast Ukraine killed at least 11 people, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Zelensky's appeal for financial and military support is part of a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine's defenses and deter further Russian aggression. The Ukrainian president emphasized the need for a united front, stating, "We must understand that the threat is not just to Ukraine but to the entire European continent. We need to act decisively and swiftly." (Related: Zelensky demands $40 BILLION annually to sustain Ukraine's war against Russia.)

Trump's stance on NATO and Ukraine

President Donald Trump, who arrived in The Hague on Tuesday, was asked by reporters whether he planned to meet with Zelensky. "Yeah, probably I'll see him," Trump replied, adding with a smile, "I'll say… 'How ya doing?’" The exchange was posted on X, sparking speculation about the nature of their potential meeting. Trump's commitment to NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all, has been a subject of scrutiny. When pressed on the issue, Trump told reporters, "I'm committed to saving lives. I'm committed to life and safety. And I'm going to give you an exact definition when I get there." Zelensky's diplomatic efforts have been multifaceted. He has sought to rally international support, not only from traditional allies but also from countries with more complex relationships with the West. His meeting with Trump, who had previously skipped a scheduled meeting with Zelensky during the recent G7 summit in Canada, is seen as a critical opportunity to strengthen U.S. support. Trump's past actions, including his controversial phone call with Zelensky in 2019, have cast a shadow over U.S.-Ukraine relations. However, Zelensky remains hopeful that he can secure a commitment from Trump for "substantial purchases of weaponry," particularly Patriot missile defense systems.

Zelensky's meeting with Trump: A key moment

On Thursday, June 26, Zelensky posted on social media about his meeting with Trump: "I had a good meeting with @POTUS in The Hague. I congratulated President Trump on the successful operation in the Middle East. It is important that the U.S. actions have weakened not only their nuclear program but also their drone production capabilities." Zelensky also highlighted the discussion on the protection of the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the purchase of American air defense systems. "Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers," he stated. "Europe can help." The outcome of Zelensky's meeting with Trump and the NATO summit could have far-reaching implications. A strengthened U.S. commitment to Ukraine could bolster European security and deter further Russian aggression. Conversely, any wavering on the part of the U.S. could embolden Russia and destabilize the region. Watch the video below where Zelensky calls "everyone in the world" to ramp up sanctions on Russia. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump: Zelensky's escalation justifies Putin striking back. Trump warns of "very, very tough" SANCTIONS on both Russia and Ukraine if peace talks collapse. State Department: Trump believes a NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT can resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Sources include:

YourNews.com X.com 1 X.com 2 Brighteon.com
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