NATO summit day two: Trump, defense push, arms to Ukraine and threats to Iran (As it happened)
NATO leaders have reconvened in Ankara for the second and final day of the US-led military bloc’s annual summit, with efforts to project unity overshadowed by persistent disagreements over defense spending, as well as the Russia-Ukraine and Iran conflicts.
The first day was dominated by US President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of European allies for failing to shoulder a greater share of the military burden and for not backing Washington during its confrontation with Iran. Trump also renewed his demand for US control of Greenland, while NATO members unveiled new multibillion-dollar defense procurement agreements intended to strengthen the bloc’s military capabilities and answer longstanding calls for higher spending.
Ukraine remains high on the agenda as Vladimir Zelensky seeks additional military support from Western backers, while leaders attempt to keep the focus on the bloc’s long-term rearmament plans.
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08 July 2026
18:41 GMTAs NATO leaders depart Ankara, we’re wrapping up our live coverage from the second and final day of the summit.
Trump dominated the agenda with Ukraine arms pledges, escalating rhetoric on Iran, and renewed pressure on bloc allies over defense spending, as NATO members reaffirmed military commitments and aid for Kiev. Stay with RT for the latest news, analysis and reaction.
- 18:07 GMT
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated readiness to host a new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, saying Türkiye remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic settlement.
“We are ready to bring the sides together at the negotiating table once again,” Erdogan said, adding that there would be “no losing side” in a just and lasting peace.
Türkiye has repeatedly acted as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev, hosting the first direct talks in 2022 and several more rounds in Istanbul last year, including trilateral discussions involving the US. The negotiations produced major POW exchanges and other humanitarian agreements, but no decisive breakthrough.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it is ready to resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means, as long as its root causes are addressed and the situation on the ground is taken into account. President Vladimir Putin said that Ankara’s role in facilitating talks would continue to be desirable in the future.
- 17:06 GMT
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to NATO’s 5% spending target, while insisting Rome would decide the timing and pace of higher military outlays “in a sustainable way” based on national priorities. She also said she “regret[s] nothing” about her political approach despite recent tensions with Trump.
Relations between the two have cooled after Italy declined to directly back the US-Israeli war on Iran. Meloni also criticized Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV after the US president described the American-born pontiff as “weak on crime” and “ungrateful.” On Tuesday, however, Trump called Meloni “a nice person.”
- 16:47 GMT
Trump has hailed what he described as major progress toward NATO’s 5% defense spending target, arguing that allies are increasingly buying American-made weapons.
The US president announced $3 billion in new defense investments with American companies, saying Lockheed Martin will establish a “world-class” Patriot missile sustainment facility in Europe.
- 16:17 GMT
Global energy markets came under pressure after Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire “over” and threatened further strikes on the Islamic Republic, fueling renewed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.
Oil prices surged, with international benchmark Brent crude jumping more than 8% to $80.41 a barrel and US WTI rising nearly 8% to sit above $70 as of 16:08 GMT. Major stock indexes also fell as renewed geopolitical tensions rattled investors.
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In a sudden turn of events, Brent crude oil prices are back above $80/barrel. pic.twitter.com/rleaVxX0fo - 15:45 GMT
Trump has said that he is likely to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism following his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara.
The US president also said that there had been “a lot of progress” on “Syria helping with Hezbollah in Lebanon,” adding that Damascus “would do a very good job.”
Al-Sharaa, who once led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), rose to power in late 2024 following the fall of Bashar Assad’s government.
- 15:31 GMT
Trump’s threats of renewed military action against Iran have drawn a swift response.
Tehran condemned the US strikes as a breach of the ceasefire memorandum, saying that Washington’s actions had rendered key parts of the agreement “without effect.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump declared the fragile US-Iran ceasefire “over” after the US military conducted strikes on the Islamic Republic over alleged attacks on three tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
- 15:00 GMT
Trump has said he believes Israel intends to withdraw from southern Lebanon, citing recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I think they’re going to do it. I think they want to,” the US president told reporters in Ankara.
- 14:53 GMT
A reporter asked Rutte what values NATO stands for beyond military spending and deterrence.
Rutte described the US-led military bloc as a “defensive alliance,” claiming that it would “never attack another country,” while warning that any attack on its members would be met with a “very forceful” response.
