THE HAGUE — NATO leaders gathered in the Netherlands on Wednesday for an annual summit dominated by debate over steep increases in defence spending and the alliance's long-term posture toward Russia. Dutch officials confirmed heightened security measures across the city.

The summit follows months of pressure from the United States for members to commit a larger share of national income to defence. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has championed a target well above the existing 2 percent of GDP threshold, framing it as essential to deterring further Russian aggression.

Ukraine's future role remained central to discussions, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to press allies for continued military and financial assistance. Poland and the Baltic states have urged firmer guarantees against Moscow's ambitions.

The gathering tested transatlantic unity, as European leaders sought reassurance on Washington's commitment to collective defence under Article 5. Member state diplomats cited disagreements over burden-sharing and timelines for new spending pledges as complications in negotiations ahead of the final communiqué.

A Dutch government spokesperson said the summit was the largest international event ever hosted in The Hague, with thousands of delegates, security personnel and journalists attending across the two-day programme.