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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Pushing Allies To Limit Focus On Ukraine In NATO Summit Communique
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States is pressuring European allies to limit references to Ukraine in the final communique that comes out of next week's NATO summit, according to several sources, a symbolic move that would signal a drop in support for Kyiv under President Donald Trump. Trump administration officials have pushed NATO allies to agree to limit mentions of Ukraine in the communique, the document issued at the conclusion of the annual conference that lays out the security alliance's priorities, according to multiple sources in Washington and Europe who are familiar with the negotiations. The current draft of the summit's communique only includes one passing mention of Ukraine's defense capabilities and does not include a broad statement of support for Kyiv, a European official who viewed the draft told Newsweek. If the draft is approved by the U.S. and other NATO members, it would represent a break from the strong statements of support for Ukraine issued at the end of the NATO summits that took place under former President Joe Biden after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. "People in Moscow, Beijing and in other major capitals of the world look carefully at how the United States and NATO characterize the international security situation," said Jeff Rathke, the president of the American-German Institute at Johns Hopkins University. "If NATO backs away from what it has previously committed to [at the summit], it's a signal of weakness that will very much be picked up on." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) speaks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the European Political Community (EPC) summit, in Tirana, Albania on May 16. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) speaks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the European Political Community (EPC) summit, in Tirana, Albania on May 16. Adnan Beci/AFP via Getty Images NATO members are expected to take some steps at the summit to show support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member states to increase their annual defense spending to deter Russia. The alliance is expected to announce new spending targets of 5 percent at the summit, several sources said. The figure would consist of 3.5 percent spending on core defense programs, and 1.5 percent on military-related infrastructure and logistics. The plan represents a significant victory for Trump, who has long called on NATO members to step up their defense spending. In recent months the United Kingdom, France, and other countries have also pledged greater military aid to Ukraine, which has relied on Western support in its fight against Russia. The aid has raised tensions between European and the U.S. since Trump took office vowing to bring a swift end to the war in Ukraine. The administration brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, but the negotiations haven't resulted in any meaningful breakthroughs so far. Trump has expressed frustration with both countries for failing to reach a deal, but he has more frequently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky than Russian President Vladimir Putin. It remains unclear if Trump will back a Senate bill to impose new sanctions on Moscow, or if Trump would support a new military aid package for Ukraine once the current funding for Kyiv runs out. The White House did not immediately respond to a Newsweek request for comment. A final NATO summit communique that barely mentions Ukraine would be a marked contrast from the statements put out by the security alliance over the past several years. The alliance expressed unequivocal support for Ukraine at the conclusion of the annual summit last year, which was hosted by the Biden administration in Washington. "Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and gravely undermined global security," the 2024 communique said. NATO pledged in the document to "bolster our long-term support to Ukraine so it can prevail in its fight for freedom." Ukrainian officials said they hoped NATO allies would prioritize Ukraine at the summit without angering Trump, who has spent the past week focused on the escalating war between Israel and Iran. "They're thinking about how to diplomatically promote Ukraine at the NATO Summit and how to not antagonize Trump. It's a difficult challenge," Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Ukraine's parliament, told Newsweek. He added, "In the final communique, I'd like to see something said about supporting Ukraine."
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Foster families to be given back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, under plans going to cabinet
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary will seek approval to extend access to the scheme, which is expected to benefit around 2,300 more children in 2025. The allowance is a once off payment to those eligible families to help with the cost of clothes, uniforms and shoes when school starts in Autumn. The scheme will be extended to those in receipt of the Foster Care Allowance and is payable for children between four and 17 who are eligible, along with those aged between 18 and 22 who are still in full-time education. Meanwhile, the Taoiseach will look to publish the analysis of the Well-Being in Ireland report for 2025, which will be used to determine certain priorities for the upcoming budget. The fourth of its kind, the report looks at 35 indicators of well-being across 11 sections of society. While the report will show progress in areas including income and wealth, connections, community and participation, the report has identified areas where more work needs to be done. The report highlights that a number of groups in society, including single-parent households, lower income households, and renters paying market rates, are struggling compared to other groups. Areas where Ireland has performed positively over time included the level of the population who felt lonely, the proportion of domestic homes with A or B energy ratings and net Government worth. Tánaiste Simon Harris will also update cabinet on preparations for Ireland's presidency of the European Union next year. As part of the presidency, Ireland will host a summit of the European Political Community, the largest meeting Ireland has ever hosted. ADVERTISEMENT The summit will involve leaders of 47 States as well as several heads of EU institutions and international organisations. Plans for a programme of engagement to involve children and young people will be developed including initiatives with schools and community groups across the country to encourage awareness. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste are expected to brief cabinet colleagues on the upcoming North-South Ministerial Council which will take place in Armagh on Friday. Trade will be high on the agenda for the council including the recent EU-UK deal. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon will bring a memo to cabinet on the first interim report on work by the Timber in Construction Steering Group. The report will recommend looking towards a 'Wood First' policy, which would advocate publicly procured buildings to be constructed using materials primarily of timber other bio-based products.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
British and Spanish PMs agree Gibraltar deal unlocks 'huge opportunity'
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attends a bilateral meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain, Thursday, July 18, 2024. Kin Cheung/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a phone call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, agreed that a deal on the status of Gibraltar unlocked the opportunity for both countries to advance bilateral relationship, Starmer's office said on Wednesday. "Prime Minister Sánchez congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "Both leaders also agreed that this development unlocks huge opportunity to advance the bilateral relationship between the UK and Spain, on behalf of the British and Spanish people." Starmer also spoke to Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, the spokesperson said, adding that they both agreed the agreement would allow them to "plan for the long-term while protecting British sovereignty." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
British and Spanish PMs agree Gibraltar deal unlocks 'huge opportunity'
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attends a bilateral meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain, Thursday, July 18, 2024. Kin Cheung/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a phone call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, agreed that a deal on the status of Gibraltar unlocked the opportunity for both countries to advance bilateral relationship, Starmer's office said on Wednesday. "Prime Minister Sánchez congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "Both leaders also agreed that this development unlocks huge opportunity to advance the bilateral relationship between the UK and Spain, on behalf of the British and Spanish people." Starmer also spoke to Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, the spokesperson said, adding that they both agreed the agreement would allow them to "plan for the long-term while protecting British sovereignty." (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Al Bawaba
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Israel recovers body of Thai hostage in special operation in Gaza
Published June 7th, 2025 - 09:14 GMT ALBAWABA - Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with a playful and theatrical gesture on Friday as she arrived in the Albanian capital to attend the sixth summit of the European Political Community, an informal forum that brings together 47 European states. Rama put down his umbrella and knelt down in front of Meloni as she exited her vehicle, his hands joined together in a gesture reminiscent of prayer. Meloni responded with a lighthearted remark after seeing the scenario on video: "You need to stop that, Edi." Later, she joked with reporters, "He only does it to be as tall as me," mocking their obvious height difference—Meloni is 1.63 meters tall, while Rama is over two meters. This is not the first time that Rama has greeted Meloni in this way. As a birthday gift, Rama knelt down in front of her in Abu Dhabi a few months ago and handed her a scarf. The two presidents' close political and personal ties are shown by their recent bilateral cooperation. With support from the Italian government, two controversial migrant processing facilities have been constructed in Albania: a repatriation facility in Gjader and an unutilized facility in Shengjin. Meloni has said that during her visit, she will not be visiting either place. The visit comes only days after Albania hosted the 2025 Giro d'Italia, Italy's premier cycling event, sparking media speculation about a political favor between the two nations. Even while no official link has been confirmed, the symbolic move highlights the expanding political and cultural relations between Tirana and Rome. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
