President Donald Trump joined NATO leaders Tuesday at a two-day summit in Ankara, Turkey, as the alliance faces mounting pressure over defense spending and the war in Ukraine.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is hosting the summit at the Bestepe Presidential Compound on the western edge of the Turkish capital, Ankara. Trump arrived to a warm bilateral reception from Erdoğan, praising their personal ties and expressing openness to F-35 sales to Turkey.
Erdoğan hosted a dinner in his Winter Garden on Tuesday evening. Officials from Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand joined their NATO partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also in attendance.
Trump has been critical of the alliance in recent months, calling for “loyalty.” The agenda will include reviewing progress since the 2025 Hague Summit and setting a roadmap focused on increased defense investment, industrial production and cooperation, and support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy urged allies to prioritize anti-ballistic missile defenses against Russia, calling them Russia’s “last major advantage.” Notable progress was achieved on day one in strengthening the alliance’s defense industrial base and spending commitments.
The NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum delivered a $40 billion allied investment in counter-drone capabilities, and announced a new Airborne Warning and Control System, the expansion of NATO’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet through Triton aircraft purchases, and fresh initiatives to accelerate joint procurement and attract private-sector investment.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized Europe’s record defense spending increases that will reduce over-reliance on the United States as the summit prepares for its second day of formal sessions and potential further agreements.
