NATO Summit’s Final Day: Defense Spending and Strategic Talks
President Donald Trump is attending the last day of the NATO summit, as leaders aim to display unity on defense spending, support for Ukraine, and future transatlantic security. The summit has been marked by significant announcements and bilateral meetings.
NATO Summit Highlights
Trump will participate in the only plenary session of the summit and hold meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. An anticipated press conference will conclude the summit before Trump returns to Washington.
On the previous day, Trump announced during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey. He remarked, “We don’t sanction friends,” and indicated readiness to proceed with the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, despite past opposition due to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 system.
Summit’s Key Focus
The agenda centers on reinforcing collective defense. NATO members are expected to discuss heightened defense spending targets and coordinate ongoing support for Ukraine. This comes more than four years after Russia’s comprehensive invasion.
One of the most anticipated meetings is between Trump and Zelenskyy. Ukraine continues to press for military aid and air defense support, citing critical shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles, essential against Russian missile attacks. Kyiv has urged close to 40 partners to transfer stockpiles of these interceptors promptly. Germany and European allies have agreed to fund hundreds of Patriots for Ukraine, although many deliveries are planned for the future.
Engagements and Outcomes
Additionally, Trump will meet Syrian President al-Sharaa. This interaction occurs amid shifting Middle Eastern dynamics and potential U.S.-Turkish cooperation.
The discussions will also assess how to meet the 2025 defense spending target of 5% GDP. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for “clear, concrete and credible plans” from member nations. The need to speed up weapon and infrastructure production to deter Russia is emphasized.
Trump has also voiced criticisms of European allies, questioning their contributions to supporting the U.S. and considering troop withdrawal from Europe. He emphasized the financial costs borne by the U.S. for European security, suggesting a re-evaluation of these commitments in light of insufficient European reciprocation.