ANKARA, 8 July (Ukrmedia) — The NATO summit has begun in the Turkish capital, Ankara, where the leaders of the Alliance’s member states are seeking confirmation from US President Donald Trump of his long-term support for European security.
- The NATO summit is taking place in Ankara, with Donald Trump in attendance.
- European leaders are seeking confirmation of US security guarantees.
- NATO has announced defence contracts worth over 50 billion dollars.
- Trump has once again criticised his allies over the war with Iran.
- The US President has hinted at the possibility of reducing troop numbers in Europe.
Trump and European security
A NATO summit is taking place in the Turkish capital, where the key topic is the role of the United States in the European security architecture. The leaders of the Alliance’s member states are trying to persuade the administration Donald Trump to maintain an active military presence in Europe, given Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. European diplomats have expressed concern that a sharp reduction in US forces could create gaps in the defences that Russia might exploit.
NATO defence contracts
On the eve of the main session, the Alliance announced the signing of defence contracts worth over 50 billion dollars. Key agreements include the procurement of new weapons systems, the expansion of missile and ammunition production, the development of joint European defence programmes, and investment in counter-drone capabilities. The NATO Secretary-General Mark Rütte stressed the need to speed up rearmament in the face of threats from Russia.
Criticism of Trump
On his arrival in Ankara, Donald Trump said that he might not have attended the summit had it not been for his personal relationship with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also expressed NATO’s disappointment at Washington’s lack of support during the US-Israeli military operation against Iran. Trump stressed that European countries should invest more in their own defence and support the United States more actively.
The dispute over Greenland
Another topic discussed at the summit was Trump’s statements regarding Greenland, which he believes should be placed under American control. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised that the allies must respect Denmark’s sovereignty, and that Greenland is not for sale.
The principle of collective defence
During the summit, NATO countries plan to adopt a joint declaration reaffirming their «unwavering commitment» to the principle of collective defence in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. European allies are also expecting new decisions on supporting Ukraine and strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank.
