Donald Trump declares the ceasefire with Iran is ‘over’

At the NATO summit in Turkey, US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with fellow member states for not supporting Washington's military operation in the Middle East. Trump stated that the US was "not treated well" during the conflict concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, despite significant US investment in NATO over decades. He also indicated that the US would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, resolving a long-standing deadlock. Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, noting he would have skipped the summit if not for Erdogan hosting it.

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 has criticized NATO allies. The criticism stems from their refusal to support the United States during its conflict with Iran. The article states that President Trump expressed this dissatisfaction with the allies' stance. No specific timeframe or location for this criticism is provided within the article's content. The core issue highlighted is the lack of backing from NATO allies for the US in its dealings with Iran.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire with Iran was "over." Speaking to reporters at the Nato summit in Ankara, Trump stated he no longer wished to engage with Iran, calling further dealings a "waste of time" and labeling Iranian representatives as "liars." This declaration followed fresh US military strikes on the Islamic Republic. While Trump suggested that US representatives could continue negotiations, he expressed skepticism about any productive outcomes, implying that such talks would be futile.

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.

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."

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.

Arriving at the NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump revived his proposal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, stating that Denmark's refusal has "hurt" his relationship with the alliance. He also threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe, citing concerns over immigration and energy policies and suggesting European allies do not contribute enough to defense. Trump criticized the UK's stance on the Iran conflict, implying it contributed to the Prime Minister's downfall. He reiterated his belief that NATO allies are not spending enough on defense and are too reliant on the U.S. European allies are attempting to address defense spending concerns through multi-billion-pound collaborations.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has been working to maintain US commitment to the alliance for nearly two years, using flattery to counter President Donald Trump's threats of withdrawal. Initially, Trump's focus was on increased defense spending by allies, a concern addressed at last year's summit with commitments to invest more. However, Trump remains dissatisfied, recently expressing disappointment over allies not joining the Iran war. Rutte presented a chart highlighting $1.2 trillion in allied spending since 2017, but Trump appeared unmoved. The article suggests the focus has shifted from financial contributions to actual military capabilities, particularly amid European concerns about Russia.

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.

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.

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.