Key facts
- NATO leaders met in Ankara on July 7-8, focusing on defense cooperation and Ukraine support.
- US President Donald Trump expressed concerns about European defense spending and loyalty.
- NATO allies pledged 70 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine for 2026 and the following year.
- The summit declaration committed to Ukraine's contribution to transatlantic security and endorsed calls for Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- NATO allies collectively increased defense spending by $139 billion in the past year, with a target of 5% of GDP by 2035.
- Ukraine received a license to produce Patriot missiles.
The NATO summit in Ankara concluded with leaders projecting a united front on Ukraine support and defense spending increases, despite underlying tensions regarding US engagement and European contributions. US President Donald Trump, who had expressed skepticism about European defense spending and loyalty, ultimately praised the summit as a success, highlighting "tremendous unity."
During the summit, NATO allies pledged 70 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine for 2026 and the following year. The summit declaration also noted Ukraine's contribution to transatlantic security and reiterated calls for Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. Ukraine also secured a license to produce Patriot missiles, a capability long sought by Kyiv.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and President Trump both described the gathering as a significant success. Rutte pointed to the collective increase in defense spending by NATO allies, which amounted to $139 billion in the past year, with a target of 5% of GDP by 2035. President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to develop a positive personal relationship, with discussions about potential drone deals and Trump expressing interest in visiting Kyiv.
However, underlying concerns about US disengagement and European defense spending remained. Trump had previously criticized European nations for delaying or preventing US aircraft from using bases on the continent and questioned their commitment. Despite these tensions, the summit declaration reflected a commitment to collective security and support for Ukraine. The next NATO summit is scheduled to be held in Albania, though the exact timing is yet to be determined.