Nato summit faces tricky diplomacy with Trump over his defense spending demands | First Thing

Nato leaders are meeting in Ankara for a summit where they face difficult diplomacy with US President Donald Trump over his demands for increased defense spending. Trump has publicly criticized allies for their lower contributions and the US plans to reduce its troop presence in Europe. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to present concrete plans to meet spending targets. The summit also touches on broader tensions, including Trump's past actions and statements regarding allies. Separately, the article reports on sexual assault allegations against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, which he denies, and a US airman avoiding a British trial for indecent exposure due to US military jurisdiction.

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.

Leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are scheduled to convene in Ankara, Turkiye, for a summit. The primary focus of discussions will be on defense spending and continued support for Ukraine's military requirements. The summit's agenda is set to address these critical issues among the alliance members. This meeting comes at a time when NATO unity is being tested, and transatlantic relations are being reshaped. The article notes that former President Trump will also be meeting with leaders in Ankara.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will urge NATO members at a meeting in Turkey to provide more air defense systems, specifically interceptor missiles like Patriots, to protect against Russian ballistic attacks. Zelensky expressed frustration that global production has not kept pace with the need for such defenses, arguing that stockpiled missiles are ineffective when civilians are being killed. He is also seeking NATO's assistance in developing Ukraine's own air defense production capabilities. The article notes that Russia is increasingly using ballistic weapons, while Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries with drones, which Moscow has labeled as "terrorism."

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 convening in Ankara, Turkiye, for a summit where discussions will focus on translating increased defense spending into tangible capabilities. US President Donald Trump is renewing pressure on member states regarding defense contributions, while European nations are expected to announce significant new military contracts, building on last year's agreement to increase spending to 5% of GDP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend, seeking additional Patriot air defense systems amid intensifying Russian attacks. The summit also includes representatives from non-member states like South Korea and Gulf countries, and is taking place amidst US military withdrawals from Europe. The primary objective is to project alliance unity despite underlying disagreements.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the Nato summit in Ankara to rally European allies and emphasize Britain's commitment to defense spending. The meeting aims to address concerns that Donald Trump's threats over defense contributions could destabilize the alliance. Downing Street stated leaders will focus on building a "stronger and more European Nato" to counter Russian threats and support Ukraine. The UK government has pushed back against US criticism regarding defense spending, asserting it meets its commitments and is a top defense contributor. Starmer, nearing the end of his premiership, will seek to demonstrate fairer burden-sharing among allies, despite the UK ranking lower in GDP percentage spent on defense.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has demanded that member nations present "clear, concrete and credible plans" to meet the alliance's defense spending targets at the upcoming summit in Ankara. This comes as the United States reduces its security role in Europe and urges allies to increase their financial contributions. Last year, NATO agreed on a goal for members to invest 5% of their GDP on defense, a target some countries are still struggling to reach. Rutte indicated that there are "ways" to convince reluctant members to comply, with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker hinting at unspecified consequences for those who do not step up. Despite these demands, Rutte noted that European allies and Canada have shown impressive increases in defense spending.

Russia launched its largest missile and drone strikes on Kyiv in over two weeks, resulting in at least eight fatalities and multiple injuries. The attacks occurred hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of an impending "massive" strike by Moscow, based on new intelligence. Air defense systems were active over the city, with explosions reported from various types of missiles and drones. Damage was sustained at an ambulance station, leaving at least one person critically injured. These strikes follow recent Russian advances in the eastern city of Kostyantynivka.

Russia launched one of its heaviest overnight attacks on Kyiv, firing 74 missiles and 496 drones, resulting in at least 18 deaths and over 90 injuries. The strikes damaged over 20 sites, including residential buildings, diplomatic accommodation, and the National Institute of Biochemistry. Ukrainian officials described the assault as the most horrific since the full-scale invasion and highlighted critical shortages of air defense missiles. Ukraine's ambassador to the UN called for Russia's expulsion from the UN Security Council. Russia's Defense Ministry stated the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia, while Ukraine reported hitting an oil refinery in Russia. Poland and Finland briefly scrambled fighter jets in response to the incident.

Kyiv was attacked by ballistic missiles and drones overnight and into Thursday morning, resulting in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes targeted approximately three dozen locations across the city, damaging residential buildings and trapping people. This attack followed a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had cut short a visit to Ireland, anticipating a "massive Russian strike." Kyiv's military administration confirmed the casualties, while the mayor reported injuries and people trapped in damaged structures. Ukrainian forces defended against the incoming missiles and drones.

European NATO allies have largely compensated for US asset reductions in war contingency plans for Europe, according to Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe John Stringer. This assurance comes before the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where allies aim to address recent US signals of a pivot away from the continent. Stringer stated that European allies have "stepped up" to fill the gaps left by adjustments in US forces in Europe. He characterized this as a sign of a "stronger Europe in a stronger Nato."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his country's NATO defense spending following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. Trump had previously called the spending balance within NATO "ridiculous" and "one-sided," specifically noting Germany's spending as "MUCH LOWER." In response, Merz stated that Germany plans to double its defense budget within four years, calling it the nation's greatest effort to strengthen defense capabilities. This exchange occurs as NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara next week. The article also mentions that NATO leaders previously agreed to spend 3.5 percent of their GDP on core defense items by 2035, an increase from the prior 2 percent goal.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany's defense spending, responding to US President Donald Trump's criticism. Merz stated that Germany is doubling its defense budget within four years, calling it the greatest effort ever made to strengthen defense capabilities. This statement was made on Friday as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara next week. The upcoming meeting aims for European nations to demonstrate increased commitment to continental defense, potentially setting aside disagreements with Trump on issues like Iran and Greenland. Merz asserted that Germany has no reason to shy away from discussing its defense spending record.

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, Donald Trump has criticized the US relationship with the alliance, calling it "ridiculous" and "one sided." He stated on Truth Social that NATO is "not reciprocal" and that allies "were not there for us," particularly regarding the war in Iran where some countries restricted US base usage. Trump advocates for European nations to lead their own defense and has already reduced US commitments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Trump's disappointment with NATO allies' response to US operations in the Middle East, a point expected to be a significant topic at the upcoming summit of 32 member states.

The upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, beginning Tuesday, is anticipated to be a low-key event for European members focused on defense spending goals, with China observing from a distance. However, the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump introduces a significant variable, as it remains uncertain whether he will adopt a cooperative or confrontational stance. Early indications suggest Trump, who has previously criticized NATO's purpose and threatened U.S. withdrawal, will be the more critical version. Trump recently stated the U.S. spends more on NATO than any other country without receiving benefits, calling it "ridiculous." His unpredictable nature and past criticisms have left other NATO members apprehensive about the July 7-8 gathering in Ankara.