Trump targets Spain, NATO backs Ukraine: Is the alliance still united?

Nato leaders are meeting in Ankara, Turkey, for a summit amid pressure from the US to increase defense spending. Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to present concrete plans to meet spending targets, noting President Trump expects allies to reach 5% of GDP. Allies will showcase new arms contracts and are expected to commit €70 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The summit aims to demonstrate progress on defense spending pledges, with European members and Canada having previously committed to increasing their contributions. Despite efforts to reassure the US, including highlighting increased spending since 2017, transatlantic relations remain strained due to past US actions and statements. The summit's final communique is expected to be brief, reaffirming core commitments like Article 5.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that this year's Nato summit, hosted by Turkey in Ankara, demonstrated "a huge sense of unity" and secured procurement plans valued at over $50 billion. These deals are intended to help member states meet the agreed-upon defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035. The investments will bolster Nato's capabilities in areas such as precision strike, air and missile defense, uncrewed systems, advanced technologies, and intelligence. Rutte also defended US President Donald Trump's criticisms of the alliance. The procurement plans aim to enhance interoperability and incorporate AI models for warfighting.

At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, member states pledged €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2026, with commitments to sustain similar levels in 2027. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit, advocating for continued support. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about peace progress and offered to help Ukraine produce Patriot missile systems. Zelenskyy also secured bilateral agreements for drone deals and other support packages from various allies. The summit concluded amidst ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, highlighting the continued need for air defense.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump's pronouncements on Iran and Greenland dominated discussions. The alliance pledged 70 billion euros in assistance to Ukraine and committed to expanding defense budgets, with leaders agreeing to increase military-industrial capacities. Trump declared the US memorandum of understanding with Iran "over" following strikes on Iranian targets, though he later suggested the war might not escalate further. Despite Trump's satisfaction with the defense spending commitments, only a few NATO members are projected to meet the alliance's spending goals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy actively sought support for his country throughout the summit.

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.

President Donald Trump unexpectedly launched strikes on Iran and revoked oil export licenses during a NATO summit in Turkey. The summit, intended to focus on increased defense spending and support for Ukraine, was overshadowed by these actions. The strikes were a retaliation for attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. European allies expressed concern about Trump's unilateral actions and his past criticisms of NATO. Despite efforts by NATO leaders to highlight increased defense investments, Trump also raised grievances about defense burdens and territorial claims, including Greenland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the summit to reiterate his appeal for Ukraine's NATO membership.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with the alliance, citing concerns over European defense spending and perceived lack of support from allies during the US-Iran conflict. Trump also reiterated his desire for the US to control Greenland, a stance rejected by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The summit, attended by leaders of the mutual defense alliance, is addressing defense budgets and the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged members to present clear plans for increased defense spending amidst growing threats. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to seek further military support for his country's air defenses.

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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a central figure in NATO politics as President Trump prepares for a summit in Ankara. Experts describe Erdoğan as a pragmatic populist who has repeatedly reinvented himself politically to maintain power over two decades, evolving from an Islamist mayor to a pro-European reformer, then a nationalist strongman, and now a key NATO player. His shifting stances, from aligning with Russia on defense to mediating in the Ukraine war, have made Turkey strategically indispensable to NATO, particularly in the Black Sea. Despite his evolving political identity, critics point to a decline in democratic institutions and human rights under his rule. Erdoğan's current position highlights Turkey's growing strategic importance, influencing defense talks with the U.S. and shaping alliance dynamics.

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.

Ukraine reported four deaths and ten injuries from recent Russian attacks, including a drone strike on a residential building in the Sumy region and a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. This follows the deadliest Russian barrage on Kyiv this year, which killed at least 30 people and prompted a day of mourning. In retaliation, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's border regions reportedly killed at least five people and damaged industrial sites. The UN condemned attacks on civilians, while the EU proposed new sanctions on Moscow. Russia claimed to have shot down numerous Ukrainian drones and missiles.

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.