Leaders from NATO member countries convened in Ankara, Turkiye, on July 7, 2026, for a two-day summit focused on defense spending and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

US President Donald Trump arrived alongside other NATO leaders and voiced strong criticism of the alliance, declaring himself “very disappointed with NATO.” During a news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said that if the summit “weren’t held in Turkiye, where my friend happens to be a very strong leader, a very strong person, it’s possible that I wouldn’t have attended.”

Trump also criticized NATO allies over their support related to the Iran conflict and announced intentions to lift sanctions on Turkiye and consider selling F-35 fighter jets to the country.

The summit occurs at a delicate time for the 77-year-old alliance, which has experienced discord over issues including Iran, Greenland, and Washington’s commitment to collective defense. Updated NATO data released before the summit indicated that only five member states are projected to meet the alliance’s goal of spending 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product on core defense in 2026.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the importance of respecting Denmark’s sovereignty, stating at the summit that Greenland is not for sale and expects allies to acknowledge this. This stance aligns with warnings from Denmark’s prime minister that any US attempt to take Greenland by force would jeopardize the alliance.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Europe to develop its own effective anti-ballistic missile systems, urging partners to accelerate efforts to produce affordable, mass-produced defenses without delay.

The summit also witnessed explosions in Damascus during French President Macron’s visit to Syria, adding to the complex geopolitical backdrop.

The NATO gathering in Ankara was marked by a ceremonial welcome for Trump, including Turkish police presence, banners proclaiming "The Key to Peace," and a flypast by Turkish air force jets trailing red, white, and blue smoke.

Sources