During the NATO summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8, alliance allies are expected to present new arms deals worth billions of dollars, an expansion of military production and a new support package for Ukraine, five NATO diplomats told Politico.
In the summit’s draft document, member states are expected to reaffirm their commitment to NATO’s Article 5, which guarantees the collective defense of allies, while Russia is expected to be described as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.
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The diplomats said the alliance aims to commit to 70 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine this year, as well as at least the same amount next year. However, the funding package is not expected to include the United States.
The meeting in Ankara is taking place amid internal tensions in the alliance, while U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for their low defense spending and for their lack of support for U.S. policies in the Middle East.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte wants the summit to focus on strengthening the defense industry and increasing military production in member countries. According to him, this is necessary to respond to security challenges and to ensure faster and larger arms supplies.
The draft declaration also foresees that European countries will take a greater role in defending the continent through investments in air defense systems, drones and long-range strike capabilities.
These developments come at a time when Washington is reassessing its military presence in Europe. Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. forces on the continent, thus increasing pressure on allies to raise military spending.
Another topic expected to be addressed in Ankara is the situation in Iran. In the draft declaration, allies call on Tehran to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important trade routes. The document also underscores that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
