Is NATO at breaking point as it meets in Turkiye?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. and European allies to provide more air defense missiles, particularly Patriots, to protect against Russian attacks. He highlighted a recent massive Russian assault on Kyiv, stating that insufficient interceptor missile supplies hinder Ukraine's ability to defend against ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy expressed hope that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, will yield strong decisions supporting Ukraine's air defense. He believes the U.S. and Europe possess the capacity to halt Russian "terror." Zelenskyy is expected to attend a dinner with NATO leaders during the summit.

Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Ukraine's Kyiv region on Monday, resulting in at least eight fatalities and dozens of injuries. This attack marks the second assault on the capital and its surrounding areas in under a week. The strikes occurred just before a NATO summit in Turkey, where US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to discuss the ongoing conflict. The increased long-range attacks by both sides highlight the expanding scope of the war, which began over four years ago with Russia's full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for "strong decisions" from NATO ahead of the alliance's summit in Ankara this week. This plea comes after an overnight Russian strike on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured around 60 others. The attack involved approximately 68 missiles and over 350 drones targeting the Ukrainian capital. Zelenskyy's appeal emphasizes the need for decisive action from NATO in response to the ongoing Russian aggression.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara to address US-Europe tensions, defense gaps, and support for Ukraine. The summit is overshadowed by US President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO and threats to withdraw US troops from Europe, citing a lack of reciprocity. While Trump's skepticism is not new, recent conflicts have deepened alliance strains, particularly regarding military spending and responses to international crises. European allies are pushing for greater strategic autonomy and increased defense investment to fill potential capability gaps, though a complete US withdrawal is considered unlikely due to legal and political hurdles. The focus remains on increasing defense spending, expanding Europe's defense industrial base, and ensuring long-term military support for Ukraine.

Ukraine aims to sign defense deals, particularly focused on drone technology and expertise, with at least seven NATO countries by year-end. Having already secured agreements with six nations, including three Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is transitioning from a military hardware buyer to a security provider. Ukraine offers its experience in developing radar systems, ground stations, and integrated drone defense capabilities, drawing on its extensive combat experience. These "drone deals" extend beyond just the drones themselves, emphasizing the transfer of knowledge and access to components. The initiative is driven by the growing threat of drone attacks, prompting countries to seek Ukraine's specialized assistance in building effective air defense systems.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The White House confirmed these meetings, which come as Ukraine seeks to re-engage Trump on the conflict with Russia, now in its fifth year. Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with Trump to congratulate him on the July Fourth holiday. Trump's discussions with Zelenskyy will focus on the war's front lines, with Ukraine aiming to highlight prospects for ending the conflict. Separately, Trump has publicly suggested Syria should combat Hezbollah, a notion al-Sharaa has reportedly dismissed. Trump will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hold a press conference before returning to the U.S.

US President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday during the Nato summit in Turkey. The White House confirmed these meetings, stating that Kyiv aims to draw Trump's attention back to the conflict with Moscow. Trump has also publicly discussed Syria's regional role. The summit is taking place in Ankara, where Trump is also scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. President Trump is expected to hold a news conference before departing for the United States on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held an 85-minute phone call on Saturday. During the conversation, Putin congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, particularly in relation to Trump's upcoming attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8. This was according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. The call focused on these key topics, with the Ukraine settlement being a natural point of discussion given the upcoming NATO meeting.

Russia claims its forces have captured the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, a statement Ukraine denies. Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of refusing a proposed six-hour ceasefire on Monday to allow for the handover of fallen Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian claim a lie and an attempt to create a news story, stating Ukrainian forces remain in control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked Zelenskyy's suggestion of a meeting in Kostiantynivka, reiterating an invitation for talks in Moscow. Separately, Russian officials reported one person was killed and two injured in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea.

Nato's 32 member states will convene in Ankara, Turkey, for their annual summit on July 7-8. The meeting is expected to prioritize discussions on securing peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Analysts suggest that ongoing conflicts in these regions, along with U.S. pressure on European allies to increase defense spending, may lead to Indo-Pacific security issues taking a secondary role. This is anticipated despite warnings from the Nato chief regarding China's connections with Russia. The summit will be Turkey's first time hosting since 2004.