Closing summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap!
Nato leaders have committed to invest 5% of GDP annually on defence and security-related spending by 2035 “to ensure our individual and collective obligations” are met, according to the final text of the Hague summit declaration (14:19).
US president Donald Trump said he was leaving the Nato summit with “a little bit different” view of the alliance as he praised the new 5% spending target (16:04) and promised “we are here to help them protect their country” (16:29).
But he pointedly targeted Spain for not signing up to the spending pledge, saying he would “make them pay twice” through trade measures and take personal control of the negotiations (16:32, 16:39)
Trump also pledged to look into giving Ukraine more Patriot missiles after showing concern for with a Ukrainian reporter talking about her husband who serves in the country’s military (16:36, 17:59). The issue also came up in Trump’s bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy (18:33).
His comments come after Nato secretary general Mark Rutte repeatedly praised Trump’s leadership for getting the alliance to move on spending (14:45, 14:56), and pointedly criticised the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, for telling “lies” (15:04).
We also heard from multiple national leaders:
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez defended his view that Spain could meet the new capability obligations without reaching the new spending target as he declared his plans to run for re-election at the next general election in 2027, despite a raging political crisis at home (15:07, 15:43).
UK prime minister Keir Starmer insisted Donald Trump remained a reliable partner, and said there was “a real resolve” among leaders to continue their support for Ukraine (15:21).
French president Emmanuel Macron said the summit’s conclusions showed Europe was ready to take greater responsibility for its defence (14:29).
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said Trump “stated very clearly” that he remained committed to Nato’s Article 5, and insisted there was “no reason to be worried about Nato’s future.”
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said the new Nato targets were affordable for Italy as they give countries “total flexibility” over how to reach them (15:55).
In other news:
A US commercial mission carrying crew from Poland and Hungary blasted off to the International Space Station, taking astronauts from these countries to space for the first time in decades (13:28).
Campaigners in Venice have claimed victory after Jeff Bezos was reportedly forced to change the venue for his wedding celebrations in the city as his guests started arriving on Tuesday for the three-day jamboree (13:19).
Passengers booked on Eurostar train services have been urged to cancel or delay their trips after a huge theft of cable in France, which threatened to disrupt the Nato summit in the Netherlands (story).
And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
Putin definitely not winning, Zelenskyy says, as he confirms talks with Trump on air defence, drones
We have just heard more from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy about his meeting with Donald Trump earlier today.
He confirmed the pair spoke about buying more American air defence systems “to shield our cities, our people, churches and infrastructure,” but also about drone production capabilities and difficult talks with Russia.
Zelenskyy insisted that “Putin is definitely not winning” in the war as he argued that through further work with the US “we can strengthen each other.”
In a post on social media, he said:
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. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation.
We discussed the protection of our people with the President — first and foremost, the purchase of American air defense systems to shield our cities, our people, churches, and infrastructure. Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers. Europe can help. We also discussed the potential for co-production of drones. We can strengthen each other.
I also informed the President about how the technical team’s meetings in Istanbul went, as well as the exchanges of prisoners and the fallen. Russia handed over the bodies of its own troops. Forensic examinations are currently being carried out in Kyiv to identify their relatives.
We talked about the situation on the battlefield. Putin is definitely not winning. I presented the President with the facts about what is really happening on the ground.
Thank you for the meeting and your support. I’m also grateful for the truly kind words about our people. We will keep working.
Updated
“Spain will fulfil its capabilities and will continue to be a key part of the European security architecture, both on the southern flank and on the eastern flank, where our country currently has almost 3,000 troops deployed, supported by vehicles and cutting-edge technology,” the country’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez insisted following the summit.
The prime minister defended Spain’s pursuit of the apparent opt-out, saying it had sought – and reached - agreements that were consistent with “our values and with the defence of what we consider most appropriate, respecting the will of others, and being respected”.
He defended Spain’s decision to spend 2.1% of its GDP on capability objectives – far below the 3.5% sought by Rutte – saying it was “a sufficient and realistic volume of investment” that would allow the country to protect its welfare state.
He added:
“Spain is firmly committed to these capability objectives and will meet them in a timely manner.”
Trump shows concern for worried BBC Ukraine reporter during press conference – video
Earlier I flagged a moving exchange between Trump and a Ukrainian BBC journalist, during which the US president showed some concern for the reporter and promised to look into giving Ukraine more Patriot missiles (16:36).
You can watch it in full here:
Protesters dragged from outside Nato summit in The Hague – video
Protesters were arrested outside the venue in The Hague where world leaders had gathered for a Nato summit.
Members of Extinction Rebellion and other activist groups were calling for leaders to end the war in Gaza and address the climate crisis.
Here’s a video:
Trump's comments after Nato summit - summary
US president Donald Trump said he was leaving the Nato summit with “a little bit different” view of the alliance after seeing “the love and the passion that they showed for their countries.”
He declared that with the new “historic” 5% spending target, “it’s not a ripoff,” and promised that “we are here to help them protect their country.”
His comment comes after earlier concerns about his previous remarks on the Article 5 commitments, when he appeared to suggest there are different meanings of the politically critical mutual defence provision.
Trump also said he had a “very nice” meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and promised to “speak to Vladimir Putin, see if we can get it ended.”
In a moving exchange with a Ukrainian reporter, he also pledged to see if the US can make more Patriot missiles available to Ukraine, as he asked her to “say hello to your husband.”
Trump also conceded that it was “possible” that Putin had territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine, but said the Russian president should “get out” of the invasion of Ukraine, saying “it’s a mess for him”.
Separately, he repeatedly criticised Spain for trying to avoid the new 5% target, saying he would “make them pay twice” through trade measures and take personal control of the negotiations.
Trump gets asked about Nato secretary general’s Mark Rutte’s “daddy” comment (12:49).
“He likes me, I think he likes mem if he doesn’t it, I’ll let you know, I’ll come back and I’ll hit him hard okay.
He did, he did it [in] very affectionate [way], daddy, hear my daddy.”
He refuses to get into further speculation on the comment, and when asked if Nato can function without the US, he tells reporter to “ask Mark.”
And that’s it. Trump leaves the stage and will be soon off to Washington DC.
I'm going to negotiate with Spain myself, they'll pay more, Trump says
Trump gets another question about Spain and modulating his voice in a jokey way to make it sound more sinister he says he’s “going to negotiate directly with Spain.”
“I’m going to do it myself. They’ll pay more money this way.
You should tell them to go back and pay. You’re a reporter, tell them to go back, they ought to join all of those countries that are paying 5%.”
Trump promises to look at sending Ukraine more Patriot missiles
Trump says his original promise to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine was “sarcastic,” and concedes “it’s more difficult than people would have any idea.”
He then says:
“Look, Vladimir Putin really has to end that war.”
He then gets into a conversation with a Ukrainian reporter based in Warsaw, who says her husband is an active soldier in the Ukrainian army.
Responding, Trump promises the US will see if it can make more “Patriot” missiles available for Ukraine, stressing “they are very effective, 100% effective.”
He seems moved by the exchange and asks her to “say hello to your husband.”
Updated
Trump calls out Spain for avoiding new spending target, says 'we will make them pay twice'
But then Trump turns against Spain’s attempt to avoid committing to the new 5% target, saying it is “terrible what they have done.”
Responding to a question from a Spanish journalist, he says:
“You’re the only country that is not paying. I don’t know what the problem is.
It’s I think it’s too bad. We’ll make it up.
You know, … We’re negotiating with Spain on a trade deal. We’re going to make them pay twice as much. And I’m actually serious about that. …
I like Spain. I have so many people from Spain that it’s a great place, and they’re great people.
Spain is the only country, out of all of the countries that refuses to … so they want a little bit of a free ride, but they’ll have to pay it back to us on trade, because I’m not going to let that happen. It’s unfair.”
Trump says he leaves summit with 'a little bit different' view of Nato after 'moving' scenes with leaders
Oh, that’s interesting.
Trump says he came here “because it was something I am supposed to be doing,” but says he leaves the summit with his mindset “a little bit different” as he says:
“I watched the heads of these countries get up, the love and the passion that they showed for their countries was unbelievable. I’ve never seen quite anything like it.
They want to protect their country.
They need the United States, and without the United States, it’s not going to be the same. And you can ask Mark, or you can ask any of the people that were there. It was really moving to see it.”
He then makes a big commitment to Article 5:
“It was great.
I left here differently.
I left here saying that these people really love their countries, it’s not a ripoff.
And we’re here to help them protect their country.”
Trump to speak to Putin to 'end' Ukraine war after meeting with Zelenskyy
On his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump says “I wanted to know how he’s doing,” and says the meeting was “very nice” even though they “had little rough times” in the past.
On the Russian invasion, he says:
“I think he’d like to see an end to this. I do.
I think what I took from the meeting couldn’t have been nicer, actually, but I took from the meeting that he’d like to see it end. 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.”
He then gets asked about Finland and talks about buying Finnish icebreakers.
“We’re trying to buy it. I’m trying to make a good deal. All I do my whole life, my whole life, that’s all I do is make deals.”
Updated
Trump also says “we are going to talk” to Iran next week, and suggests they “may sign an agreement,” but adds “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“I mean, they had a war they fought. Now they’re going back to their world.
I don’t care if I have an agreement or not.
The only thing we would be asking for is what we were asking for before, we want no nuclear.”
'Possible' that Putin has territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine, Trump says
Asked about comments from Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that Russia’s Putin could have broader territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine, Trump says it is “possible.”
But he then says:
“I know one thing he’d like to settle, he’d like to get out of this thing. It’s a mess for him.”
Israel, Iran 'exhausted' by conflict, Trump says
Trump gets asked what makes him so confident that the Israel-Iran war is over.
He says:
“I dealt with both, they’re both tired, exhausted.
They fought very, very hard and very viciously, very violently, and they were both satisfied to go home and get out.
And can it start again?
I guess someday, it can. It could maybe start soon.
I think a big telltale sign was when, as you know, Iran, somewhat, not much, violated the ceasefire. And Israel had the planes going out that morning, and there were a lot of them, 52 of them.
And I said, you got to get them back, and they brought them back. They didn’t do anything. They brought them back. It was very good. I thought it was amazing, actually.”
He then concludes on Iran:
“I don’t see them being back involved in the nuclear business anymore.”
Trump has been on a long detour about the Iran attack.
To give you a taster,
“The amazing thing about the shots, they hit the shots perfectly, and yet it was dead dark. There was no moon, there was no light. It was virtually moonless. It was very dark, and they hit the shots were hit perfectly.”
Updated
Europe taking more responsibility will help future disasters, but they need to spend on 'serious military hardware', preferably US, Trump says
On Ukraine, Trump says:
“Europe stepping up to take more responsibility for its security will help prevent future disasters like the horrible situation with Russia and Ukraine, and hopefully we’re going to get that solved.”
He then makes a big sales pitch on behalf of the US industries, saying:
“It’s vital that this additional money be spent on very serious military hardware bureaucracy, and hopefully hardware is going to be made in America, because we have the best hardware in the world.”
He then offers this insight into Iran’s counter-strike on the US base in Qatar:
“You saw that where 14 missiles were shot at us the other day, and they were very nice, they gave us warning.
They said, ‘We’re going to shoot them. Is one o’clock, okay?’
It’s fine, and everybody was emptied off the base so they couldn’t get hurt, except for the gunners … and the 14 high end missiles that were shot at the base in Qatar, all 14, as you know, were shot down by our equipment.
Amazing stuff, amazing that they can do. It’s like shooting a bullet with a bullet.”
Trump hails new 5% defence spending target, claims credit for it
Trump then goes on to talk about the new spending policy.
“Major focus of our conversations at the summit was need for other Nato members to take up the burden of the defence of Europe, that included the financial burden as you know, it was 2%, [and] we got it up to 5%.
And they said, a couple of them came up to me, one in particular, said, ‘Sir, we’ve been trying to get it up to 3% for 20 years, and we haven’t been able and you got it up to 5%’, so they’re going to be … most of them. I guess almost all of them are going to be contributing now.”
He goes on:
It’s really been a big focus.
In a very historic milestone this week, the Nato Allies committed to dramatically increase their defence spending to that 5% of GDP, something that no one really thought possible.
And they said: you did it, sir, you did it.
Well I don’t know if I did it but I think I did.
He says in the past only a few countries would meet the target – he names Poland – but that has changed now.
Updated
'Long trip, but worth it,' Trump says on Nato summit
Trump says it was “a fairly long trip, but worth it.”
“Tremendous things have been accomplished.”
He praises the hosts, the Netherlands, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, and he goes back to his recent “massive” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“This incredible exercise of American strength has paved the way for peace, historic cease fire agreement Monday.
We call it the 12 day war. I spoke to a few people, I guess that just sounded like the right, right name, a 12 day war.”
Trump speaking after Nato summit
And here’s Trump and his presser gets under way.
You can watch his press briefing below, but, as usual, I will bring you all the key news lines here.
“Details will follow”?
Is Zelenskyy suggesting here that Trump will have something extra to announce?
Zelenskyy welcomes 'long, substantive' meeting with Trump on 'how to protect our people'
Oh, and here’s Zelenskyy himself!
He has just posted an update on social media confirming he had “a long and substantive meeting” with 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.
Details will follow.”
Zelenskyy 'satisfied' with Trump meeting - diplomatic source
On that Trump-Zelenskyy meeting…
A Ukrainian presidency source told AFP that Zelenskyy was “satisfied” with what was discussed.
Make of that what you will.
New Nato targets affordable given 'total flexibility' on how to reach them, Italy's Meloni says
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said the new Nato targets were affordable for Italy as they give countries “total flexibility” over how to reach them.
Reuters reported that she also insisted not a single euro would be diverted from other budget priorities to fund the planned increase in defence spending.
Trump, Zelenskyy met on sidelines of Nato summit - Ukrainian broadcaster
In the meantime, we are getting reports that Trump and Zelenskyy held a side meeting on the margins of the main summit (as expected).
Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported that the meeting lasted for around 50 minutes.
We will probably learn more about what was discussed there during Trump’s press conference, expected soon(ish).
Spain's Sánchez declares he plans to run for re-election in 2027
Oh, that’s news!
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez uses the post-Nato summit briefing to declare he plans to run for re-election at the next general election in 2027, according to Reuters.
It won’t necessarily be easy, but that’s real fighting talk from the embattled leader.
Spanish media are also reporting his fierce comments on the summit declaration and the spending target commitment.
El País reported he argued that “if there was another prime minister today, Spain would have signed,” adding “that would have been a complete mistake.”
As a side note, earlier today US foreign secretary Marco Rubio told Politico the situation with Spain was “a problem”.
“Well, it’s a problem. I mean, it’s a big problem.
They claim they can do it for less, but Spain right now has deep internal political challenges. They have a left-of-center government that basically wants to spend very little to anything on military. And they’ve been recalcitrant.
I think that’s one of the topics the leaders are going to have to confront today. It’s unfortunate.
…
But I don’t think that the agreement that Spain has reached is sustainable, and frankly it puts them in a very tough spot with regards to their other allies and partners.”
Asked about these comments, Sánchez reportedly said that Spain is never a problem, always a solution, according to El País.
He cut quite an isolated figure during the family photo, though.
Our defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh who is in The Hague posted a picture of long queues waiting to get into the press centre saying:
“Journalists theoretically waiting in line a few moments ago for Mark Rutte’s press conference at the Nato summit, but in fact for Donald Trump’s that is expected afterwards.”
UK's Starmer insists Trump is a reliable partner, says leaders showed 'real resolve' to push for ceasefire in Ukraine
Meanwhile, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, insisted at his press conference that he believed Trump was a reliable partner that could we trusted.
“We work very closely with the United States, we have done for many years.
Our teams are constantly talking to each other as they were throughout last week.”
Speaking at his press conference after the summit, he also spoke about Ukraine, saying:
“In my discussions with leaders, there’s been a real resolve that now is the time to push again … for the unconditional ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy has for many weeks now indicated his willingness to get an unconditional ceasefire.
Now is the time for Putin, who’s been dragging his heels to come to the table, and there’s been a lot of discussions with other leaders about seizing that moment to push forward on that initiative.”
On spending, Starmer said under the new calculations the UK would spend 4.1% GDP on defence by 2027.
Check our UK live blog for more:
Updated
Coalition of the willing to hold further coordination talks 'in coming days', Merz says
Germany’s Merz also revealed that the “coalition of the willing” – a group of countries willing to get more closely involved in supporting Ukraine – will “in the coming days” hold a video call to coordinate its actions.
Germany's Merz says Trump 'stated very clearly' his commitment to Nato, Article 5
German chancellor Friedrich Merz is also talking with reporters.
He says Trump “has stated very clearly … his commitment to Nato Article 5,” and confirms he met with the US president on the sidelines of the summit, including to lobby him to impose further sanctions on Russia.
“There is no reason to be worried about Nato’s future,” he says.
On Spain, he says he “could have imagined a different solution,” but adds “everything is okay as long as Spain meets its Nato targets,” Reuters reports.
Updated
I will bring you more reactions from European leaders as we wait for the US president’s press conference. Expect it to be lively (as usual).
Spain will meet capability target, but sees current spending as 'sufficient,' PM Sánchez says
Spain’s Pedro Sánchez said his country will meet the new capabilities targets agreed by NATO members in Wednesday’s summit in The Hague but it considers its current defence spending of 2% of GDP as “sufficient, realistic and compatible with the welfare state,” Reuters reported.
He also thanked other leaders to “respecting Spain’s sovereignty.”
One to watch. I don’t think that’s the end of this particular discussion (15:00).
Updated
I haven't changed my views, don't trust Putin, Rutte says
Repeatedly asked about Putin, Rutte makes his view of the Russian president fairly clear:
“I have not changed my views of Vladimir Putin. I don’t trust the guy.
And of course, I had a lot of dealings with him personally, when we had a terrible situation with … the Malaysian airline flight MH 17, being shot out of the air by Russia in July 2014, and Putin telling me that he was not present in the Donbas, and that he had no dealings in Ukraine, and this, that and the other.
These were all lies.”
Asked what Putin makes of this summit, he says:
“Look what Putin achieved. He wanted to divide the West, and now Finland and Sweden have joined Nato.
He wanted to divide the West, and now we have committed to a 5% spending target.
So he cannot be very happy, and he should not be very happy.”
Let's not be naive about Russia, Nato's Rutte says
On Russia, Rutte says:
“Well, let’s not be naive about Russia.
Of course, they are fighting this totally unprovoked war against Ukraine, but at the same time, and this is what we have been hearing open source from many senior military leaders in Europe, including the Chief of Defence in Germany, they are building up their armed forces and reconstituting their armed forces at such a pace that they could be ready in three, five or seven years to attack Nato.
…
We know that there is this Russia threat, short term, long term, whatever, but the Russia threat is there, and we have to make sure that we can defend ourselves, and that is why we are doing this.”
Rutte says Spain committed, progress to capability plans will be reviewed in 2029
Nato’s Rutte also gets asked about Spain and it’s mission to get exempted or get some sort of deal on the new Nato spending targets, focusing on the other target about capabilities.
He says:
“As you know … they think they can reach the capability target by 2.1% [spending], Nato is saying it has to be 3.5 like for all the other allies. …
All allies will report on how they are getting to the capability targets. So we will see, and in 2029 we will, anyway, have a review of all of this.”
Politicians in Europe and Canada should stop worrying about US and Nato, Rutte says
Rutte is getting slightly annoyed by all these questions about Trump.
He says:
“Can I ask you – and not you, you’re a journalist, so you’re totally, of course, free to ask all those questions, but through you - some politicians in Europe and Canada to stop worrying.
United States is totally committed to Nato. The United States is totally committed to Article 5. How many times do we want them to say this?
And as I said before, we have now had half a year when we constantly ask the US, are you with us, with Nato, with Article 5. So let’s look for another country in NATO, one of the other 31, Iceland, the Netherlands, France or Canada for the next half year.”
Nato's Article 5 'absolutely clear,' Rutte says, as he praises Trump as 'man of strength, also man of peace'
Nato’s Rutte also gets asked about Trump’s comments on Article 5 after he said “there are numerous definitions of Article 5.”
He says:
“Well, you know, Article 5 is absolutely clear. And at the same time, we have always said we will never go into details when exactly Article Five will be triggered. And why not? Because we don’t want to make our adversaries any wiser.”
He then gets asked about Trump again, and says:
“I have now known him for almost 10 years. He’s a good friend. I trust him.
He was totally right that Europe and Canada were not basically providing to NATO what we should provide, and that the US was spending so much more on defence than the Europeans and the Canadians. Now we are correcting that.”
He also, once again, praises Trump’s strikes in Iran.
“I think he is a man of strength, but also a man of peace.
You’ve seen that basically now with Iran, the man of strength being able to command his B-2 bombers to go to into Iran to take out that nuclear capability, but also the man of peace, who is then immediately following up with making sure that Israel and Iran will commit to a cease fire.
And I think this is exactly what you want the American president to do, provides that type of leadership, and so I find him very predictable.”
We need to make sure Ukraine has what is needed to stop Putin from trying again, Rutte says
On Ukraine, Rutte says the allies commit a record-high amount of aid for the country, saying that looking at the trajectory in the first half of the year could reach record-high levels.
He then says:
“Obviously we are all also working on getting a peace deal done, or a long term ceasefire done, and then we have to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevent Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin from ever, ever trying this again in the future.”
US 'more or less at 5% already,' Rutte says
Rutte also gets challenged on why the new 5% target seems to apply to all countries, but not the US.
But he says that under the new formula of looking at core and additional defence spending, adding “their enormous capacity when it comes to cyber fighting, cyber crime, hybrid threats, when it comes to their infrastructure investments when it comes to developing the defence industrial base” the US “is more or less at 5% already.”
Updated
Nato's Rutte defends his praise for Trump
In Q&A – in the very first question! – Rutte is asked about the over-the-top praise he keeps showering Trump with.
But he defends his comments.
“I think it’s a bit of a question of taste. But I think he’s a good friend, and when he is doing stuff which is forcing us to, for example, when it comes to making more investments.
I mean, would you ever think that this would be the result of this summit if he would not have been re-elected president?”
He then goes on to say Trump deserves “some praise” for making Nato allies commit to ramp up their spending more urgently, and same for his actions in Iran.
“I think he deserves all the praise.”
He then also says the US strike in Iran was “justified”.
Updated
Nato's Rutte declares support for Ukraine 'so it can enjoy a lasting peace in future'
On Ukraine, Rutte says Nato “stands firmly by our neighbour and partner, Ukraine,” and adds:
“Our resounding message to [Zelenskyy] and Ukrainian people is that Ukraine has our continued support, including with over 35 billion euros pledged so far this year, with more to follow all of this.
Our aim is to keep Ukraine in the fight today so that it can enjoy a lasting peace in the future.
We stand by Ukraine in its pursuit of peace, and will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to NATO membership.”
Trump clear that US is committed to Nato, Rutte says
Rutte says the agreed targets show that “the allies recognise the severity of the threats we face and, in response, they have come together to agree an ambitious but essential new defence spending commitment.”
He goes on to say:
“President Trump has been clear America is committed to Nato. He affirmed it again today in no uncertain terms.
At the same time, he made clear that America expects European allies and Canada to contribute more, and that is exactly what we see them doing.”
He adds:
“We now shift from agreeing on what we need to rolling up our sleeves and making this new plan a reality, and part of this requires that we rapidly expand our defence industrial capacity on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Summit lays foundations for stronger, fairer, more lethal Nato, Rutte says
Rutte says the allies “have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer and more lethal Nato,” and the new investment plan marks “a quantum leap” in spending on defence.
“It means that no matter the challenges we face, whether from Russia or terrorism, cyber attacks, sabotage or strategic competition, this alliance is and will remain ready, willing and able to defend every inch of allied territory and ensure that our 1 billion people can continue to live in freedom and security.”
Rutte briefing press after Nato summit
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte is now briefing the press after the summit.
You can watch it below, but I will bring you all the key lines here.
Nato conclusions make Europe take greater responsibility, Macron says
French president Emmanuel Macron is one of the first leaders to emerge and brief media on the discussions at the summit.
He says that the push to invest more will strenghten the European pillar within Nato, and allow Europe to “take greater responsibility for its security,” acknowledging “this has been the American request for several years.”
He says it is a change “in the right direction,” and which comes as a response to the growing Russian threat.
He particularly points to Russia’s history of aggression in Georgia, Crimea, and the full-scale invasion on Ukraine in 2022 calling it “a threat on our borders.”
Macron says there is determination to “act together and … stop this war,” also signalling a role for the “coalition of the willing” that could be used to further support Ukraine.
The French president also stressed the need to resolve trade disputes with the US, saying Europe cannot be asked to spend more on defence while having to fight a trade war with an ally.
On Article 5, he stresses that it implies solidarity between all members.
Nato leaders commit to invest 5% GDP on defence by 2035, back Ukraine
Nato leaders have committed to invest 5% of GDP annually on defence and security-related spending by 2035 “to ensure our individual and collective obligations” are met, according to the final text of the Hague summit declaration adopted just now.
The declaration says members will submit “annual plans” proving “a credible, incremental path to reach this goal,” with a more comprehensive review of the progress made in 2029.
The five-point declaration also includes a line reaffirming the 32 countries’ “ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack on one is an attack on all.”
The document includes a line promising further support to Ukraine and noting that its “security contributes to ours,” but stops short of directly condemning Russia.
It does include, however, a separate line on “the long term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.”
Here it is in full:
THE HAGUE SUMMIT DECLARATION
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, have gathered in The Hague to reaffirm our commitment to NATO, the strongest Alliance in history, and to the transatlantic bond. We reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack on one is an attack on all. We remain united and steadfast in our resolve to protect our one billion citizens, defend the Alliance, and safeguard our freedom and democracy.
2. United in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism, Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035 to ensure our individual and collective obligations, in accordance with Article 3 of the Washington Treaty. Our investments will ensure we have the forces, capabilities, resources, infrastructure, warfighting readiness, and resilience needed to deter and defend in line with our three core tasks of deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security.
3. Allies agree that this 5% commitment will comprise two essential categories of defence investment. Allies will allocate at least 3.5% of GDP annually based on the agreed definition of NATO defence expenditure by 2035 to resource core defence requirements, and to meet the NATO Capability Targets. Allies agree to submit annual plans showing a credible, incremental path to reach this goal. And Allies will account for up to 1.5% of GDP annually to inter alia protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure our civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defence industrial base. The trajectory and balance of spending under this plan will be reviewed in 2029, in light of the strategic environment and updated Capability Targets. Allies reaffirm their enduring sovereign commitments to provide support to Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours, and, to this end, will include direct contributions towards Ukraine’s defence and its defence industry when calculating Allies’ defence spending.
4. We reaffirm our shared commitment to rapidly expand transatlantic defence industrial cooperation and to harness emerging technology and the spirit of innovation to advance our collective security. We will work to eliminate defence trade barriers among Allies and will leverage our partnerships to promote defence industrial cooperation.
5. We express our appreciation for the generous hospitality extended to us by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We look forward to our next meeting in Türkiye in 2026 followed by a meeting in Albania.
And here’s the video showing Rutte’s “daddy” comment (12:49), if you really want to see it…
I’m keeping an eye on the Nato summit and will bring you more as soon as the leaders’ session is over.
Poland, Hungary make spaceflight comeback with ISS mission
A US commercial mission carrying crew from Poland and Hungary blasted off to the International Space Station, taking astronauts from these countries to space for the first time in decades, AFP reported.
The vehicle is scheduled to dock with the orbital lab on Thursday at approximately 1100 GMT and remain there for up to 14 days.
Aboard the spacecraft were pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India; mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary; and commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, a former NASA astronaut who now works for the company Axiom Space, which organizes private spaceflights, among other things.
The last time India, Poland or Hungary sent people to space, their current crop of astronauts had not yet been born – and back then they were called cosmonauts, as they all flew on Soviet missions before the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Czech authorities detain teens over online radicalization
Czech authorities have detained five teenagers for being radicalized online by the militant Islamic State group and charged two of them with terror-related crimes over an attempt to set fire to a synagogue, AP reported, quoting officials.
Břetislav Brejcha, the director of the Czech counterterrorism, extremism and cybercrime department, said most of the suspects are under 18 years old. They were detained between February and June as a result of an international investigation that started last year.
AP noted that the five were promoting hate content on social media against minorities, LGBTQ+ community and Jews. During seven raids in the Czech Republic and Austria, police seized some weapons, such as knives, machetes, axes and gas pistols.
Jeff Bezos alters Venice wedding plans after threat of inflatable crocodiles
Campaigners in Venice have claimed victory after Jeff Bezos was reportedly forced to change the venue for his wedding celebrations in the city as his guests started arriving on Tuesday for the three-day jamboree.
The main reception for the wedding of Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist, was due to be held in the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a majestic 16th-century building in the city centre.
But according to the No Space for Bezos group, the couple relented after activists threatened to fill the canals with inflatable crocodiles to block their celebrity guests from entering.
Eurostar services disrupted after cable theft in north France
Eurostar services between London and Paris are disrupted today after due to a cable theft near Lille Europe.
AFP reported that overnight “more than 600 metres (650 yards) of cable were stolen or severed south of the Lille Europe station” on the way between the two capitals, French railway operator SNCF said.
In a statement on social media, Eurostar said:
We advise you to cancel or postpone your trip. We’re very sorry for the impact on your journeys today.
As we wait for the summit to conclude and to hear from the 32 leaders at their post-meeting press conferences, let me bring you some other news from around Europe.
Discussing Trump's comments on Israel and Iran, Rutte says 'daddy has to sometimes use strong language'
Going back to that Rutte-Trump briefing earlier, there’s also another bit that is attracting some attention.
Talking about Trump’s reaction to Iran and Israel yesterday – when he said of Iran and Israel that “we basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing” – the US president explained that:
They’ve had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard. You know, they fight like hell. You can’t stop them. Let them fight for about two, three minutes. Then it’s easier to stop them.
In response, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte appeared to say:
“Daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get it stopped.”
Updated
Trump gets invited for UK state visit later this year, Buckingham Palace confirms
Meanwhile, we are just getting a line from Reuters that Britain’s King Charles has invited US president Donald Trump for a state visit later this year, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.
Trump accepted an invitation from Charles for a second state visit in February, making the US president the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch, but the timing of the trip was not clear.
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Nato summit in The Hague - in pictures
Going back to Trump’s comments earlier, it’s also worth noting that he likened the US strikes on Iran to his country’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan in the second world war.
Speaking at The Hague, Trump said:
“They spent trillions of dollars trying to do this thing, and they didn’t come up with it, and we’re actually getting along with them very well right now.
“But had we not succeeded with that hit? That hit ended the war. That hit ended the war.
I don’t want to use an example of Hiroshima, I don’t want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing that ended that war. This ended that, this ended that war.
If we didn’t take that out, they would have been they’d be fighting right now.”
If you want more updates on Israel and Iran, head to our live blog here:
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And on that point, the public part of the summit ends, with media asked to leave the room.
We will next hear from the leaders at their press conferences after the summit.
End of history illusion was shattered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Dutch PM says
Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof opens with a big statement that “we are about to write history.”
“We are about to make decisions leading to an unprecedented increase in our collective defence spending and a new financial balance in our alliance.
Both are urgent. Both are necessary, and both will help make our defence Atlantic bond even stronger so we can do justice to our founding principles of democracy, liberty and the rule of law, as laid down in the Washington Treaty.”
He notes that
The end of history turned out to be an illusion, an illusion that was shattered for good when Russia brutally invaded Ukraine.
and says that “there is a renewed awareness in our ranks that peace cannot be taken for granted, that it must be protected constantly and with conviction.”
Rutte hails 5% target, defence ramp up plans; calls on Russia to end aggression on Ukraine
Rutte highlights the significance of the new 5% spending target and plans to ramp up defence production, but also mentions Ukraine in his opening remarks as he says:
Allies will also agree to further increase defence production so that our armed forces have everything they need. That means a huge expansion of our defence industrial base on both sides of the Atlantic. That’s good for our security, it’s good for our economies and good for our jobs.
Our decisions include continuing our support to Ukraine while also pushing for a just and lasting peace. We all want the bloodshed to stop. We call on Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine.
Rutte pointedly praises Trump during Nato's plenary session
Nato secretary general Rutte then says:
For too long, one ally, the United States carried too much of the burden of that commitment. And that changes. today.
Turning directly to Trump, he continues:
“President Trump, dear Donald, you made this change possible.
Your leadership on this has already produced $1 trillion in extra spending from European allies since 2016 and the decisions today will produce trillions more for our common defence to make a stronger and fairer equalising spending between America and America’s allies.”
Nato summit at 'dangerous moment' for our citizens, Rutte says
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte is now opening the leaders’ session at the Nato summit.
He says:
“We meet at a dangerous moment for our one billion citizens.
Russia’s war against Ukraine rages on. An assertive grouping of adversaries seeks to divide and challenge us. There’s war in the Middle East. Terrorism poses a persistent threat, and new technologies bring opportunities, but also many serious security challenges.
In the face of this, we stand together, united in Nato, the most powerful defensive alliance in world history.
History has shown that North America and Europe working together is a winning combination. Our adversaries know this.”
By the way, you can follow the proceedings on our live stream at the top of this page and below – but, as usual, I will be bringing you all the key news lines here.
US Hegseth recognised Nato allies 'stepped up,' UK defence minister says
Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, told his Nato opposite numbers over dinner that he recognised that other members of the alliance had “really stepped up” in agreeing to a headline defence spending target of 5% of GDP.
The senior administration official chose to speak at the end of the informal gathering according to his British counterpart, after other ministers had spoken, to thank the other 31 allies for making a commitment that he said was “historic”.
The account of events was given by John Healey, the UK defence secretary, who said Hegseth had been listed to speak first but he “put aside his scripted speech” so he could reflect and sum up the discussion at the end.
“Essentially he was saying, what I recognise here tonight, is that Nato, you nations, have stepped up, and this 5% benchmark that we’re going to agree tomorrow is really historic,” Healey said in a briefing to journalists.
The comments will be interpreted positively by Nato allies, coming after Hegseth said in February that the US was no longer “primarily focused” on European security though all eyes remain on US president Donald Trump.
In response, Healey said “all the Nato Defence Ministers, including me” recognise that it was down to the UK and other allies “to do the hard yards now, not just in 10 years’ time” for turning the spending pledge into delivery.
As leaders take part in the official welcome photo opp with Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof and Nato’s secretary general Mark Rutte, let’s go to our defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh who is on the ground in The Hague for a quick update.
'We will discuss the obvious,' Trump says about his meeting with Zelenskyy
Asked about his meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump says:
We’ll discuss the obvious. We’ll discuss his difficulties. He’s got a little difficulty. Zelenskyy, he’s a nice guy. I mean, I’m going to meet him today. I don’t know. I assume we’re going to be discussing Ukraine.
He also adds:
I have spoken to Putin a lot, and he actually was very nice.
The briefing has now pivoted to Iran, with US defence secretary Pete Hegseth confirming there is a leak investigation into the report on the US strike on Iranian targets, and Trump claiming it put the Iranian nuclear programme back “by decades” – and Rutte praising him for the attack again.
Trump also suggests he would “sure” attack again if needed.
Updated
'We are with them all the way', Trump confirms commitment to Article 5
Asked about his commitment to Nato’s Article 5, Trump says:
We are with them all the way.
There’s a brief confusion as Trump appears to think there will be a vote on the new 5% target.
Rutte jumps in:
“Actually, today we will decide unanimously to do that’s my absolute conviction.”
Trump jokes that maybe they should talk about it “until the vote … because sometimes, you know, strange things happen,” but Rutte reassures him it’ll be fine.
Trump praises 5% GDP spending commitments as 'very big news'
US president Donald Trump is now speaking alongside Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
He acknowledges the jump in defence spending, as he says:
“I’ve been asking them to go up to 5% for a number of years, and they’re going up to 5%, that’s a big [jump] from 2% and a lot of people didn’t even pay the 2% so I think that’s going to be a very big news.”
Responding, Rutte continues his charm offensive as he says:
I want to state it here, without President Trump, this would not have happened.
He goes on:
“With 5%, the Europeans and the Canadians will equalise their defence spending with the United States.
So this is not about American taxpayers paying more; this is about Europeans, Canadians paying more.
And again, this would not have happened [without Trump]. I’m really saying this here, and some people might criticise me, but then when I speak with them, they all say, yes, you are right.”
We ramp up spending not to do Trump favour, but because we must do more to counter Russia, German chancellor says
German chancellor Friedrich Merz focuses on the increase in spending as he says today’s decision will “provide Nato with significantly better resources in future.”
He says that member states agree that “the threat situation has changed” with Russia, and stresses that the defence spending ramp up is not “to do anyone a favour", but … based on our own conviction that Nato as a whole, and especially the European part, must do more.”
There should be no sense certain countries are free riding on defence commitment of others, Greek PM says in swipe at Spain
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also appears to take aim at Spain as he makes a very pointed remark about fairness within Nato.
He says:
I think it is very encouraging that we have all agreed to a significant increase in our defence spending. I have been a strong proponent of the need for Europe to step up our military spending and take more ownership over our own collective defence.
Greece is a country which is currently spending more than 3% on defence, and we have consistently exceeded the 2% threshold, even during the very difficult times of the economic crisis.
He adds:
The point of an alliance is to make sure that there is a fair burden sharing, and that there is no sense that certain countries are sort of free riding on the defence commitment of other countries.
So I think it is important to understand that these targets I think should be binding and they should be binding for all 32 members of the alliance.
Ouch.
'Absolutely no discussion over Article 5,' Poland's Duda says, but warns of 'real risk' of Russian attack in future
Poland’s president Andrzej Duda says “everything indicates that there is unity between Nato countries, especially on that most important issue of increasing spending.”
He also stresses the importance of supporting the eastern flank of Nato, and extending strategic pipelines across Europe, as well as the need for continued support for Ukraine.
He then says that the shift in Nato’s policy comes in response to “Russian imperialist policy” and says he’s been a long time advocate of raising the defence spending over the years.
He says there are two fundamental elements of Nato, the alliance’s unity and Article 5, and insists “there is absolutely no discussion over it.”
On Trump, he says “the position of the president of the US is the strongest in the alliance,” as he praises his leadership within Nato.
He also says that “Russia is exhausted” by its aggression of Ukraine.
“I don’t expect that Russia is ready to attack another country now, but in the future, it’s a real risk,” he says, and stresses its “absolutely necessary” to ramp up defence spending in response.
'There are no opt outs,' Belgian prime minister says in swipe at Spain
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever comes in somewhat questioning Spain’s claim that it can reach the Nato targets by spending less than 5% of GDP on defence.
He says:
“I would like to underline that there are no opt outs whatsoever. Everybody accepts the same text. It’s a matter of interpretation. You have to do the 5% and the capabilities.
And the interpretation of Spain is that they can realise the capabilities without doing three and a half percent of the GDP. This remains to be seen.”
He then adds that more broadly the increase the core defence spending to 3.5% within the next 10 years is “realistic.”
Asked about Trump, he sidesteps that question and says:
“I don’t think it is wise to comment on that, but it is the reality that we face.
So as Europeans, we should realise that our long break from history is over and that we take have to take our own responsibility for the security of our own continent in a very difficult time.”
Updated
No concerns about Article 5, Finnish president says, as he says Nato 'goes back to roots' of deterring Russia
Finnish president Alexander Stubb also says the summit will be “historic” as he explains it marks the moment Nato “goes back to the roots of the Alliance in other words, functioning as a collective comprehensive defence system to deter Russia.”
Asked if he has any concerns about Article Five, he says:
“I do not have any concerns about that.”
Someone tries to push him further, asking how many times will he need to play golf with Trump to make him stop making ambiguous comments about Article 5.
“I don’t think President Trump is relativising Article Five and golf is a good way to discuss business.”
He then goes on to say:
I think we’re witnessing a change in the world order.
It’s very similar to the moment that we witnessed after the first world war, the second world war and the cold war.
And of course, after the first world war, we got it wrong. After the second world war, the balance was more or less right. And after the cold war, I think we got intellectually lazy.
Now we need to sort things out, understand that the time of Western dominance is over. We’re moving towards a world which is more transactional, which is more multipolar, and which is more disorderly. And this means, at least for a country like Finland that we need to have close allies, and we need to work on building up our security and defence.
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Nato 'connecting the dots' at 'historic' summit, Norwegian prime minister says
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre says on arrival that “the length of this meeting is really not indicative” of its historic significance.
“We are connecting the dots in Nato by getting the resources necessary to deliver on the capabilities,” he says.
“The important part now is the percentage is set, but it’s only important if we’re able to have that translated into the capabilities, so we have to invest in the right equipment that goes together,” he says.
He adds that Norway wants Nato to look at the Arctic and the High North, as “we are the eyes and ears of Nato, next to [our] neighbour, Russia.”
He also says that “we need to be talking about [our] common effort to support Ukraine.”
Asked about how to deal with US president Donald Trump, he says it’s just important to remember we are all allies.
He ends by saying:
“I think the US is 100% behind Nato obligations and Article Five.”
Updated
Heads of state and government from 32 Nato member countries are gathering in The Hague this morning for a summit seeking to project unity and resolve in the face of growing security challenges from Russia and China.
On paper, the plan is clear: formalise a new defence spending target of 5% of GDP and demonstrate that European allies are stepping up.
But, as often these days, uncertainty looms.
US president Donald Trump has already stirred some unease ahead of the summit by appearing to distance himself from Nato’s critical Article 5, which commits members to collective defence.
His informal chat with reporters on board Air Force One have injected tension into what was intended as a carefully choreographed show of unity, with Trump simply “flying into another big success.”
Is this just Trump keeping his allies on their toes or a signal of deeper shifts in US foreign policy, amid concerns about the future of US military presence in Europe?
Answers may come soon, as leaders begin their discussions this morning. We should hear from Trump himself within the next hour.
We will bring you all the key lines here.
It’s Wednesday, 25 June 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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