The NATO summit kicked off today in Ankara, bringing together leaders of the 32 member states. The two-day gathering at the Presidential Complex will focus on European nations boosting defense spending and inking new arms deals under heavy U.S. pressure.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who arrived in Ankara ahead of the summit, said member countries have made progress in increasing defense budgets. "European allies and Canada are now investing around 4 percent of their gross domestic product in defense and security. They will present clear plans on how to reach the final target," Rutte said.
Rutte: "Just one year later, we are seeing qualitative progress. A total of $258 billion in additional investment will be made in 2025 and 2026. We are investing in our own security and making sure we have what we need to protect our societies."
The Secretary General stressed that European countries are now taking more responsibility for their own defense and are leading support for Ukraine. NATO leaders will announce tens of billions of dollars in new arms deals during the summit.
Trump's Pressure and the Iran File
U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized European allies over defense spending before departing for the summit. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "It is absurd for the U.S. to continue down this one-sided path. The relationship is not reciprocal. They were not there for us when we needed them."
European leaders are taking concrete steps to appease Trump's anger. In particular, European countries' restrictions on the use of American bases in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran had infuriated Trump. Therefore, a message of cooperation on Iran is expected at the summit.
European allies, led by France and the UK, have established a potential naval mission to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Having moved warships closer to the region, European countries are awaiting clarity on the U.S. agreement with Iran.
Exhibition and New Deals
A defense industry exhibition and forum is being held today before the summit sessions begin. Allies aim to turn rapidly increasing military budgets into new capabilities. A senior European diplomat said, "It's showtime," indicating that leaders will present concrete commitments to Trump.
In this context, Canada announced it has selected German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for its new submarine fleet. The multibillion-dollar program aims to deepen Canada's defense ties with European NATO allies.
Zelenskyy Seeks Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also arrived in Ankara today to attend a dinner with leaders. Zelenskyy will secure commitments from his European backers on continued military aid. Kyiv is seeking pledges of new military assistance totaling 140 billion euros (approximately $160 billion).
After around 30 people were killed in Russia's latest attacks, Zelenskyy called on allies to provide more air defense missiles. The Ukrainian leader, who is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit, will say that they have begun to change the course of the war and that the U.S. must pressure Russia to negotiate.
NATO leaders are trying to show that Europe is ready to take charge of its own security at a time when Washington's attention is shifting to the Pacific.
