Ukrainians in Spain and Netherlands demand NATO membership amid summit

The Ukrainian community in the Netherlands held a demonstration ahead of the NATO Summit that is taking place in The Hague on June 24–25. Their nation’s blue-and-yellow flags filled the streets of the city.

“We didn’t come to shout. We came to remind the world of one simple and urgent truth: Ukraine is not asking NATO to save it. Ukraine is asking NATO to become a part of it,” wrote the Ukrainians in the Netherlands Foundation.

The community expressed gratitude to NATO for its support of Ukraine while urging the Alliance to take decisive action.

“It is both tragic and absurd that, after Ukrainians have become a shield for Europe, they still have to prove why they deserve a seat at the table. But in reality—they are already there. They keep showing up — organized, focused, and ready to take responsibility,” the rally organizers said.

Speeches at the event were delivered by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.

The ministers reassured Ukrainians of their unwavering support and pledged that their countries would back NATO’s goal to raise defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.

A similar rally took place in the Spanish capital of Madrid, according to Yuri Chopyk, head of the Ukrainian community of Spain for the Rights, Honor, and Dignity of Ukrainians.

“On the eve of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Ukrainians in Madrid once again expressed strong support for Ukraine’s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance,” Chopyk said.

Rallygoers in Madrid called for continued support of Ukraine. Among the speakers were Oksana Skrypets, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Spain, and various activists.

“The march along the city’s main avenue — with clear explanations and slogans — left a deep impression on residents and visitors alike. Despite the misleading and unfriendly rhetoric from the U.S. President toward our country, Ukraine’s near-membership in this transatlantic alliance is clear to everyone — from most Alliance politicians to the professionalism and courage of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Chopyk said.