NATO summit day two: Trump, defense push, Russia-Ukraine and Iran conflicts
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.
08 July 2026
15:00 GMTTrump 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.
- 14:39 GMT
Trump has signaled that the US could carry out another strike on Iran later on Wednesday, saying Washington would “probably hit them hard again tonight.”
“I’ll give them a little warning … But we’ll see how it all works out,” the US president told reporters, adding that he was “not happy with them [Iran].”
Trump also suggested the US could “take over” Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s key oil export hub, claiming that was why he had ordered American forces not to target its oil infrastructure during Tuesday night’s strikes.
“I said, don’t touch the oil because maybe we’ll take over Kharg Island… There’s not a thing they can do about it,” he claimed, adding that the US “may hit it again tonight.”
Trump also claimed that “Iran is finished,” and that the US “could send our forces in tomorrow,” but added that he did not want to deploy ground troops.
- 14:28 GMT
Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Wednesday, after his meeting with Zelensky.
The US president said Putin “wants to end the war” and is seeking to bring it to a close “as soon as possible,” adding: “I talk to him a lot.”
The planned call follows a nearly 90-minute phone conversation between Trump and Putin on Sunday, during which the two leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict, the Iran war, and future contacts between Moscow and Washington.
- 14:07 GMT
A reporter challenged NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte over his silence as Trump berated allies and renewed his push to acquire Greenland, asking whether it affected his “self-respect.”
Rutte deflected the question, instead hailing the US president for making NATO “much stronger” by increasing European defense spending and citing the usual ‘Russia threat’ narrative.
- 13:58 GMT
Asked whether the US would consider imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine as a “security guarantee” in the event of “another Russian attack,” Trump said it remained an option.
“If it’s necessary, yeah,” the US president replied when pressed by a reporter during his meeting with Zelensky.
- 13:56 GMT
NATO members have pledged €70 billion ($80 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2026, with support set to remain at “at least the equivalent levels” in 2027.
The summit’s final declaration, however, makes no mention of Ukraine’s possible accession to the US-led military bloc.
