The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in Washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions. The backdrop Russian forces press their advantage along Ukraine's Eastern front as the war grinds into its third year but in focus of the Summit is the host himself. Watch in for more details!

NATO summit 2024: Can the veteran President unite NATO against a rising Russia?

The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions.

NATO summit: NATO vows lasting support for Ukraine

The 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or NATO, is underway in washington. From Biden's reelection bid to bolstering support for Ukraine there are several concerns that will dominate the agenda and discussions. Prof. David Dunn, Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham, joins us to discuss.

NATO anniversary: NATO vows lasting support for Ukraine | Biden to meet Zelensky

It's the 75th anniversary of the world's biggest military alliance heads of state of NATO countries are in Washington DC to mark the 3 day event. The Summit seeks to reassure Ukraine of NATO support while offering some hope to its war wary citizens. Watch in for more details!

NATO Summit 2024: President Biden faces high-stakes summit with his Presidency in spotlight

US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival.&nbsp;

The 81-year-old leader will try to use the three days of pomp marking NATO's 75th anniversary to reassure allies over US leadership, and his own ability to govern, as calls grow for him to quit the fight for a second term in office.&nbsp;

Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his party to step aside, after a disastrous TV debate against election rival Donald Trump last month fueled fears that he lacks mental acuity and physical fitness.

The US president was set to open the summit with a speech in the room where NATO's founding treaty was signed in 1949 and expected to emphasise how the alliance has been strengthened on his watch. &nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-at-75-as-alliance-faces-uncertain-future-739239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Other leaders appeared keen to rally around their host, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting as he set off from Berlin on Tuesday that he was "not concerned" by the president's fitness.&nbsp;

But as doubts swirl over Biden, the 32-nation alliance is nervously eyeing a potential return to the White House by Trump after elections in November. &nbsp;

On the campaign trail, the volatile ex-reality TV star has threatened to blow apart the principle of mutual self-defence that has underpinned NATO since it was founded in the wake of World War II.

It's not just the United States, however, that faces political questions.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to form a government after divisive elections, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first international outing, and Hungary's premier Viktor Orban flies in after a much-criticised meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

<h2>Air defences for Ukraine</h2>

While they wrestle with the minefield of US politics, NATO leaders will have to show they haven't been distracted from the reality of the battlefield in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Tuesday expecting to secure additional Patriot advanced air defence systems that he has been begging his backers to send for months to stave off Russian attacks.

His war-torn country's vulnerability to Moscow's missiles was cruelly exposed by a strike Monday on a children's hospital in Kyiv. &nbsp;

"We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine, and I'm confident we will succeed," Zelensky said after touching down in Washington. &nbsp;

"We urge decisive actions from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors."

The Kremlin said it was following the summit "with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper."

The promise of more weaponry is set to be the biggest win the Ukrainian leader will get as his troops struggle to hold ground two and a half years into Russia's invasion.

<h2>China challenge</h2>

Worried about dragging NATO closer to war with Russia, the United States and Germany have shut down any talk of giving Ukraine a clear invitation to join their alliance.&nbsp;

Instead, diplomats say Kyiv's path to eventual membership may be described as "irreversible" in the summit declaration and say the country is on a "bridge" to joining.

NATO members will vow to keep supporting Ukraine at the rate they have been so far since Moscow invaded -- roughly 40 billion euros annually -- for at least another year.

They will also agree the alliance will take more control of coordinating weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the US military in a move to help insulate supplies from any changes in Washington if Trump wins the election.&nbsp;

European countries in NATO have ramped up defence spending in response to Russia's war -- and the alliance is showcasing the rises to make the case to Washington that it isn't carrying all the financial burden.&nbsp;

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said allies would sign a pledge to spend more on weaponry in a bid to get defence firms to ratchet up capacity.&nbsp;

While NATO views Russia as its main threat, it is also paying greater attention to the challenge from China and accuses Beijing of playing a key role in keeping Moscow's war effort going by supplying tech to the Kremlin's military.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-dismisses-calls-to-quit-white-house-race-ahead-of-nato-summit-738384">Joe Biden dismisses calls to quit White House race ahead of NATO summit</a>

The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea will come to Washington to bolster ties with the alliance.

China's foreign ministry hit out at the "smear and attacks" against Beijing from NATO and said the alliance was seeking an excuse to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival.

US President Joe Biden geared up Tuesday to kick off a NATO summit in Washington aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting was being overshadowed by his fight for political survival. The 81-year-old leader will try to use the three days of pomp marking NATO's 75th anniversary to reassure allies over US leadership, and his own ability to govern, as calls grow for him to quit the fight for a second term in office. Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his party to step aside, after a disastrous TV debate against election rival Donald Trump last month fueled fears that he lacks mental acuity and physical fitness. The US president was set to open the summit with a speech in the room where NATO's founding treaty was signed in 1949 and expected to emphasise how the alliance has been strengthened on his watch. Also watch | NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future × Other leaders appeared keen to rally around their host, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting as he set off from Berlin on Tuesday that he was "not concerned" by the president's fitness. But as doubts swirl over Biden, the 32-nation alliance is nervously eyeing a potential return to the White House by Trump after elections in November. On the campaign trail, the volatile ex-reality TV star has threatened to blow apart the principle of mutual self-defence that has underpinned NATO since it was founded in the wake of World War II. It's not just the United States, however, that faces political questions. French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to form a government after divisive elections, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first international outing, and Hungary's premier Viktor Orban flies in after a much-criticised meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Air defences for Ukraine While they wrestle with the minefield of US politics, NATO leaders will have to show they haven't been distracted from the reality of the battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Tuesday expecting to secure additional Patriot advanced air defence systems that he has been begging his backers to send for months to stave off Russian attacks. His war-torn country's vulnerability to Moscow's missiles was cruelly exposed by a strike Monday on a children's hospital in Kyiv. "We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine, and I'm confident we will succeed," Zelensky said after touching down in Washington. "We urge decisive actions from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors." The Kremlin said it was following the summit "with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper." The promise of more weaponry is set to be the biggest win the Ukrainian leader will get as his troops struggle to hold ground two and a half years into Russia's invasion. China challenge Worried about dragging NATO closer to war with Russia, the United States and Germany have shut down any talk of giving Ukraine a clear invitation to join their alliance. Instead, diplomats say Kyiv's path to eventual membership may be described as "irreversible" in the summit declaration and say the country is on a "bridge" to joining. NATO members will vow to keep supporting Ukraine at the rate they have been so far since Moscow invaded -- roughly 40 billion euros annually -- for at least another year. They will also agree the alliance will take more control of coordinating weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the US military in a move to help insulate supplies from any changes in Washington if Trump wins the election. European countries in NATO have ramped up defence spending in response to Russia's war -- and the alliance is showcasing the rises to make the case to Washington that it isn't carrying all the financial burden. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said allies would sign a pledge to spend more on weaponry in a bid to get defence firms to ratchet up capacity. While NATO views Russia as its main threat, it is also paying greater attention to the challenge from China and accuses Beijing of playing a key role in keeping Moscow's war effort going by supplying tech to the Kremlin's military. Also read | Joe Biden dismisses calls to quit White House race ahead of NATO summit The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea will come to Washington to bolster ties with the alliance. China's foreign ministry hit out at the "smear and attacks" against Beijing from NATO and said the alliance was seeking an excuse to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

NATO leaders gather in Washington as ageing Biden struggles to assert control

NATO summit to show strong support for Ukraine amidst conflict

UK Army Chief General Patrick Sanders has called upon the UK and NATO alliance to prepare for quote a World War II like conflict in the next five years he said that the UK needs to rearm by the end of the decade to ward off a possible invasion by Russia.

UK: Ex-Army Chief Gen Sanders warns of possible Russian invasion, says 'UK not ready to face Russia'

The United States of America is all set to host the NATO summit commemorating 75th anniversary of the military alliance which has never been larger and more focused but is also facing existential threats from outside and within.

NATO at 75 as alliance faces uncertain future

NATO allies have agreed to fund military aid for Ukraine with 40 billion euros ($43 billion) next year, according to media reports. This comes a week before the alliance’s leaders are set to meet in Washington. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: US not supportive of Ukraine's NATO membership?

NATO members pledge 40 billion Euros in military aid for Ukraine

Multi-fold challenge to Ukraine's NATO membership

Headlines of the hour: - $62 mn worth of arms to Ukraine missing: U.S. - Russian satellite breaks up in space - NATO Chief: U.S. to stay strong ally - Israeli forces bomb eastern Gaza - Kenya: Protests despite tax climbdown - Iran polls: Two Iranian hardline candidates drop out

Russian satellite breaks up in space | Kenya: Protests despite tax climbdown

Russia and Ukraine each handed back 90 prisoners of war on Tuesday in the latest of several periodic swaps in their 28-month-old conflict, with the United Arab Emirates overseeing the exchange as an intermediary.

Russia & Ukraine exchange 90 prisoners of war

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo.

The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.

"The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1.&nbsp;

Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder".

"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I warmly welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies' choice of <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. 
 
I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.<a href="https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL">https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL</a>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1805880452869210275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said.

Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg.

"The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1805887841576128984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House</h2>

United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine.

"President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-52-injured-after-russian-guided-bombs-hit-apartment-building-in-ukraines-kharkiv-734278">Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv</a>

Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security".

<h2>Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader".

"I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO. 
 
When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JensStoltenberg</a> in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1805905612045275430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin</h2>

Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow.

"It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us."

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching. "The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1. Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder". "Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post. I warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024 × "I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said. Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg. "The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I… — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024 × Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine. "President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security". Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader". "I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media. Congratulations to @MinPres Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO. When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 26, 2024 × 'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow. "It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO appoints outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as new chief

Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine on the European Union's and NATO's eastward expansion.

UK's Nigel Farage blames EU, NATO for Russia's war in Ukraine, Sunak slams 'completely wrong' claim

Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance. Watch in for more details!

Mark Rutte set to succeed Stoltenberg as NATO's secretary general

Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte is all set to take over as the next NATO Secretary General. Who is Mark Rutte? And how will NATO evolve with him at the helm. Watch this report.

Gravitas: Mark Rutte set to become NATO Secretary General

Former Dutch PM Mark Rutte set to replace Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Chief

Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to be next NATO chief

Mark Rutte set to be NATO's next secretary-general

Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance.

Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance. Klaus Iohannis, the president of Romania, withdrew his candidacy for the NATO secretary general post on Thursday (June 20), reaffirming Romania's support for Rutte after receiving endorsements from Slovakia and Hungary on Tuesday. Iohannis said that he had informed NATO allies of his decision to withdraw his candidacy at a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence. Rutte's leadership has come when the world is marred with conflicts and major countries are holding their elections. He will assume the position on October 2. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics Now that Rutte has been confirmed, the succession question is resolved before July, when NATO leaders travel to Washington to commemorate the alliance's 75th anniversary. Rutte's road to becoming NATO chief hasn't been easy. Since late November, he has been campaigning for the position. Eastern European nations have questioned Rutte's pre-2014 support for Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, and he has been accused of not actively enlisting their support. Nevertheless, Rutte received the support of two-thirds of all NATO members when he announced his candidacy in March. Rutte was chosen after a lengthy process that saw Stoltenberg's term extended four times. The secretary general's tenure was extended by Allies in 2017 until the end of September 2020. They rescheduled that date to September 2022 in 2019. Another extension was issued in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NATO partners decided to give Stoltenberg an additional year as secretary general in July of last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Mark Rutte to succeed Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general amid escalating global tensions

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Rutte set to be next NATO Chief - Romania to send Patriots to Ukraine - South Korea & US hold joint air drills - Kenya: Police fire tear gas on protesters - India: PM Modi begins 2-day J&K visit - UK keeps rates at 16-year high

Rutte set to be next NATO Chief | South Korea & US hold joint air drills

NATO's chief called Monday for China to face consequences if it keeps up support to Russia, as he said that a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine was the only way to end the war.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was paying a visit to Washington to lay the groundwork for NATO's 75th anniversary summit next month.

The July gathering aims to send a decisive long-term message of support for Ukraine as President Joe Biden faces a tough reelection fight against Donald Trump, a skeptic of Western support for Kyiv.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Biden, Stoltenberg accused China of worsening the conflict through what US officials say is a major export push to rebuild Russia's defense industry.

President Xi Jinping "has tried to create the impression that he is taking a back seat in this conflict, to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing," Stoltenberg said at the Wilson Center.

"But the reality is that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, and at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West," he said.

"Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point -- and unless China changes course -- allies need to impose a cost. There should be consequences."

In addition to the 32 members of the NATO alliance, the summit will also bring in four key partners from the Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

China argues that it is not sending lethal assistance to either side -- unlike the United States and other Western nations.

Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, further showed how Moscow was "dependent" on authoritarian leaders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-italy-strengthen-ties-with-indo-mediterranean-initiative-732626">India and Italy strengthen ties with Indo-Mediterranean initiative</a>

Beijing steered clear of a weekend summit in Switzerland promoted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that reaffirmed Kyiv's demands for Russia to leave Ukrainian territory for any peace.

Russia has insisted that it is interested in talks, but has demanded Ukrainian forces withdraw from territory seized by Moscow.

Trump -- who in the past has voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin -- has boasted that he can quickly end the war, likely by pressing Ukraine to accept demands.

In an unstated effort to "Trump-proof" future efforts, Stoltenberg wants the Washington summit both to put NATO in the lead of coordination on Ukraine and to set up a way for long-term military funding.

"The more credible our long-term support, the quicker Moscow will realize it cannot wait us out," he said.

"It may seem like a paradox, but the path to peace is more weapons for Ukraine."

The US Congress in April approved some $60 billion in new military funding for Ukraine but only after months of political fighting and opposition by some of Trump's Republican allies.

"Regardless of who's going to be the next president of the United States," Stoltenberg told reporters of the delay, "I believe that we should minimize the risk."

Stoltenberg said he would also tell Biden of the rising number of NATO members that are meeting a goal set in 2014 of spending two percent of GDP on defense.

Trump has long raged over what he sees as unfairness in the alliance founded in the Cold War.

On the campaign trail, he has suggested that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member that does not "pay (its) bills."

Asked about Trump's criticism, Stoltenberg, who led NATO throughout the mogul's 2017-2021 presidency, said that successive US administrations had "an absolutely valid point to say that European allies are spending too little."

"The good news is that's changing," Stoltenberg said.

"We're not saying that we are satisfied, but we are in a totally different place now than we were back in 2014."

NATO's chief called Monday for China to face consequences if it keeps up support to Russia, as he said that a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine was the only way to end the war.

NATO's chief called Monday for China to face consequences if it keeps up support to Russia, as he said that a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine was the only way to end the war. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was paying a visit to Washington to lay the groundwork for NATO's 75th anniversary summit next month. The July gathering aims to send a decisive long-term message of support for Ukraine as President Joe Biden faces a tough reelection fight against Donald Trump, a skeptic of Western support for Kyiv. Speaking ahead of a meeting with Biden, Stoltenberg accused China of worsening the conflict through what US officials say is a major export push to rebuild Russia's defense industry. President Xi Jinping "has tried to create the impression that he is taking a back seat in this conflict, to avoid sanctions and keep trade flowing," Stoltenberg said at the Wilson Center. "But the reality is that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, and at the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West," he said. "Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point -- and unless China changes course -- allies need to impose a cost. There should be consequences." In addition to the 32 members of the NATO alliance, the summit will also bring in four key partners from the Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. China argues that it is not sending lethal assistance to either side -- unlike the United States and other Western nations. Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to North Korea, which has supplied shells to Moscow despite being under UN sanctions, further showed how Moscow was "dependent" on authoritarian leaders. Also read: India and Italy strengthen ties with Indo-Mediterranean initiative Beijing steered clear of a weekend summit in Switzerland promoted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that reaffirmed Kyiv's demands for Russia to leave Ukrainian territory for any peace. Russia has insisted that it is interested in talks, but has demanded Ukrainian forces withdraw from territory seized by Moscow. Trump -- who in the past has voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin -- has boasted that he can quickly end the war, likely by pressing Ukraine to accept demands. In an unstated effort to "Trump-proof" future efforts, Stoltenberg wants the Washington summit both to put NATO in the lead of coordination on Ukraine and to set up a way for long-term military funding. "The more credible our long-term support, the quicker Moscow will realize it cannot wait us out," he said. "It may seem like a paradox, but the path to peace is more weapons for Ukraine." The US Congress in April approved some $60 billion in new military funding for Ukraine but only after months of political fighting and opposition by some of Trump's Republican allies. "Regardless of who's going to be the next president of the United States," Stoltenberg told reporters of the delay, "I believe that we should minimize the risk." Stoltenberg said he would also tell Biden of the rising number of NATO members that are meeting a goal set in 2014 of spending two percent of GDP on defense. Trump has long raged over what he sees as unfairness in the alliance founded in the Cold War. On the campaign trail, he has suggested that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member that does not "pay (its) bills." Asked about Trump's criticism, Stoltenberg, who led NATO throughout the mogul's 2017-2021 presidency, said that successive US administrations had "an absolutely valid point to say that European allies are spending too little." "The good news is that's changing," Stoltenberg said. "We're not saying that we are satisfied, but we are in a totally different place now than we were back in 2014."

West should 'impose a cost' on China for Russia support: NATO chief

More than 20 NATO members will meet the military Alliance Target of spending at least 2% of their respective GDPs on defence this year now this is as per NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO summit next week: NATO to discuss defence expenditure aims

More than 20 NATO members will meet the military Alliance Target of spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense this year. This is as per NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg. Watch in for more details!

20 NATO allies to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense: NATO Chief

The US President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the situation in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region during their meeting in Washington. Watch in for more details!

US President Joe Biden hosts NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

NATO is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons, taking them out of storage and placing them on standby, in the face of a growing threat from Russia and China, the head of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday. Watch in for more details!

NATO in talks to put nuclear weapons on standby

NATO is adapting its nuclear Arsenal in the face of security threats from Russia and China. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg called for the block to display its stockpile to the world and send a direct message. Expenditure on nuclear weapons has also increased. Expenditure on Warheads is estimated to have risen by 13% to record 91.4 billion dollar in 2023 as per the survey by the International campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. Watch in for more details!

NATO to put nuclear weapons on standby?

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on. Meanwhile, the rift between Russia and the West is widening. NATO is at the forefront in aiding Ukraine. Now, NATO hints at putting nuclear weapons on standby. Is World War III around the corner? Watch this video for all details.

NATO to put nuclear weapons on standby amid growing threat from Russia & China

Global spending on nuclear weapons up 13% in record rise

China is expanding its nuclear Arsenal faster than any other country says a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. From 410 nuclear warheads last year China's military stockpile has grown to 500. Keep watching to know more!

The nuclear numbers game: Who is ahead?

nato

Nato, News on Nato, stories on Nato, articles on Nato, Nato stories at Wion, Nato news, Nato latest news