Dutch prime minister since Feb 2026; leader of D66 since Aug 2023
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
NATO leaders have received personalised vintage revolvers with live rounds from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the Ankara summit. Many countries have left the guns in Turkey, will decommission them or have handed them to police or museums because importing functional firearms is illegal or impractical. Erdogan has not publicly commented.
Amsterdam has hosted World Pride amid heightened security after a Berlin Pride attack last week. Rob Jetten has joined the Pride flotilla as thousands watch 80 vessels move along the canals. The city emphasizes inclusivity while addressing safety concerns.
Germany has attributed an attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport on Aug. 4 to Russian operatives. EU foreign ministers have convened and are preparing fresh sanctions targeting about 1,600 individuals and entities tied to Russia's military sector, while some member states are tightening diplomatic ties and visa restrictions.
Protests in The Hague have escalated, with police dispersing crowds after protesters threw fireworks and projectiles. Justice Minister van Weel has demanded a firm response, while authorities ban the march and condemn antisemitic slogans and Nazi salutes observed at the rally.