Meeting between Trump & Zelenskyy an important step, Dutch PM says

A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday is an important step in stopping Russia’s daily attacks on Ukraine, said caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Sunday. “[Monday] should be a good preparation for the meeting that must ultimately take place between Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump.”

Several EU leaders and NATO chief Mark Rutte will join the meeting planned between Zelenskyy and Trump. The heavyweight delegation wants to convince Trump to side with Ukraine. Schoof stressed on Sunday that Ukraine is the only country that can decide on its “territorial integrity.”

The Netherlands will not attend the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump. Other partners from the “Coalition of the Willing” will be present. These are countries that support Ukraine. “These EU leaders can also represent the Dutch position,” said Schoof.

Schoof said that the decision on what security guarantees the Netherlands can offer Ukraine must be made carefully. “We have always said we will look into this seriously, first from the Cabinet and then with parliament. It also depends on the discussions in the coming days.”