NATO leaders to gather in Ankara, aiming to smooth over tensions with Trump

NATO leaders are set to meet in Ankara next week as Europeans seek to smooth over tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump and demonstrate they are doing more to defend the continent amid U.S. retrenchment. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says the Tuesday and Wednesday gathering will highlight commitments to raise defense spending to deter Russia, with arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars expected to be signed. Leaders are also expected to reaffirm funding for weapons for Ukraine as it fights 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. The context includes Trump’s criticism that the U.S. spends money to protect NATO members “without getting any benefit,” and strain from issues including Iran and Greenland.