NATO leaders to gather in Ankara, aiming to smooth over tensions with Trump
Home NATO chief Mark Rutte says upcoming meeting will show Europe boosting defence spending to deter Russia NATO leaders gather next week in Ankara, where Europeans aim to set aside strife with United States President Donald Trump over Iran and Greenland and show they are stepping up to defend the continent as Washington cuts back on its commitments to the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says the gathering next Tuesday and Wednesday will show Europeans are honouring pledges to hike defence spending to deter Russia from any attack, with arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars to be signed. Leaders are also expected to vow to keep funding weapons for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral talks with Trump.
Published: July 3, 2026 5:22 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original