NATO summit in Ankara to test alliance unity amid Trump tensions

A NATO summit in Ankara next week is set to test alliance unity amid tensions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and wider disputes, with Europeans aiming to show they are stepping up as Washington reduces commitments. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Tuesday and Wednesday meeting will underline European plans to raise defense spending to deter Russia, including major arms deals worth “tens of billions of dollars.” Leaders are also expected to reiterate funding for 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. The summit is framed by lingering transatlantic friction over the Iran conflict and Trump’s criticism of NATO, including a Truth Social post complaining the U.S. protects allies “without getting any benefit.” Rutte said European members and Canada increased defense spending by $90 billion in 2025 to exceed $570 billion.