NATO Summit to Pledge Billions in Arms Spending, Ukraine Aid

At the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara this July, the allies plan to pledge billions of dollars in new arms contracts and massively increase weapons production. This is according to a draft joint statement reported by Politico.

Secretary General Mark Rutte hopes to use the issue to unite the alliance while offering economic arguments that resonate with US President Donald Trump. Since returning to office last year, Trump has repeatedly threatened NATO and criticized Europe for failing to support the United States in its conflict with Iran. Despite the tensions, the leaders will reaffirm their commitment to Article 5 on mutual defense and identify Russia as a long-term threat.

European allies and Canada already increased defense spending by $139bn last year, with the goal of reaching 3.5% of GDP by 2035. In the draft declaration, they commit to taking on greater responsibility for the continent's defense by investing in air defense, drones and long-range missiles.

The most contentious issue in the negotiations remains military aid to Ukraine. The allies, without US participation, want to provide 70bn euros ($79.4bn) for this year and next. In an effort to ease tensions with Washington, the text also includes a diplomatic olive branch for Trump: a call on Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and a declaration that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

(max)