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United States (US) President Donald Trump and NATO allies have begun crucial talks in Turkey as the alliance seeks to strengthen unity and address growing global security challenges.
The summit opened in Ankara on Wednesday, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reassuring allies that the United States remains committed to the alliance despite concerns about Washington’s stance.
“There is complete commitment of the United States to NATO,” Rutte said.
He added that European countries and Canada are expected to increase their defence spending to match the United States.
“There’s also an expectation… that the Europeans and the Canadians will equalise their spending with the United States… which I think is completely fair,” he said.
The summit is taking place during heightened tensions in the Middle East after US forces carried out major strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks on American military bases in the Gulf.
Before the summit, Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing their relationship as having strong “chemistry.”
However, he repeated his criticism of NATO over defence spending.
“I was very disappointed with NATO,” Trump said.
NATO members are hoping to avoid another confrontation with the US president by showcasing increased military spending and new defence contracts.
The alliance said defence spending by European members has risen by 11 percent in 2026, reaching 634 billion dollars, compared to 571 billion dollars the previous year.
Rutte welcomed the increase, saying allies were stepping up.
“Yesterday was a great success,” he said, adding that European nations were taking greater responsibility for defending the continent.
“This is a big win for the American president,” Rutte added.
Trump also reignited controversy by repeating his interest in Greenland.
He said the territory “should be controlled by the United States,” prompting a swift response from Denmark.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insisted:
“Our position is as clear as it has been all through: Greenland is, of course, not for sale.”
The US president is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit as efforts to end the war with Russia remain stalled.
“I think they both want to make a deal,” Trump said, referring to Ukraine and Russia.
He also plans to speak again with Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting Zelensky.
European allies and Canada are expected to commit 70 billion euros in military support for Ukraine over the next two years.
Trump will also meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the summit as Syria seeks stronger international ties following years of conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump announced he would consider lifting sanctions on Turkey and reopening discussions over the sale of F-35 fighter jets, following years of strained defence relations.
“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” Trump said.
President Erdogan expressed confidence that the long-running dispute between the two countries would soon be resolved.
