Trump to Meet Zelenskyy at NATO Summit in Ankara to End Ukraine War
US President Donald Trump travels to Ankara, Turkey for a NATO summit, where he plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to revive stalled diplomacy on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump, feeling urgency as neither side makes progress and costs mount, also held calls with Putin and Zelenskyy. The summit addresses NATO burden-sharing, tensions over Iran, and a new $140 billion aid package for Ukraine. Russia struck Kyiv on the eve of the summit, killing 11.
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NATO Summit in Ankara: Trump Declares 'Everyone Loves Me' After Chaotic Start
The NATO summit in Ankara was a diplomatic rollercoaster, according to Politico correspondent Dasha Burns. Initially, President Trump sharply criticized NATO's handling of Iran and Greenland and threatened Spain with trade sanctions, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sitting quietly beside him. However, behind closed doors, the mood shifted dramatically. Trump complimented allies, joked, and later declared, 'Everyone loves me. I love everyone – even those I thought I didn't like so much. They really stepped up. This was the most united NATO I have ever seen.' Burns reports that Rutte's strategy was to agree with Trump on everything, a tactic that annoyed many allies but contributed to the summit's positive outcome. The summit ended better than expected, though many allies now view Trump as 'more bark than bite.' Trump's delayed press conference was described as chaotic, with journalists storming the room and the atmosphere resembling a celebrity appearance.
Nachrichten - WELTDonald Trump at the NATO Summit: When the Tyrant Speaks of Love
The article analyzes the power dynamics at the NATO summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump oscillated between ranting against European allies and declaring he felt 'tremendous love' from them. Trump accused members of abandoning the US in defense efforts, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the war against Iran, and called Spain a 'terrible partner.' However, after meetings with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Trump claimed there was 'a lot of love' in the room. The article notes that European leaders attempted to earn Trump's favor through flattery, gifts, and posturing. Despite warm gestures toward Zelenskyy, the summit's final document omitted the previous commitment that 'Ukraine's future is in NATO,' highlighting the limits of diplomatic affection. The author argues this creates a dangerous power imbalance in international relations.
taz.de - taz.deTrump’s NATO Summit, and Everyone Else’s
The article analyzes the 2026 NATO summit as a 'tale of two summits,' contrasting former President Trump's grievances and agenda with the broader alliance's priorities. It highlights Trump's public airing of complaints against NATO allies, which overshadowed the summit's official agenda. The piece, authored by Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund and published by The New York Times on July 9, 2026, examines the divide between Trump's transactional approach and the collective security concerns of other NATO members. The summit reflects ongoing tensions within the alliance over burden-sharing and strategic direction, with Trump's behavior reinforcing preexisting anxieties among European allies about U.S. commitment to NATO.
German Marshall Fund of the United StatesTrump’s NATO Summit, and Everyone Else’s
The article, authored by Ian Lesser and published by the German Marshall Fund on July 10, 2026, analyzes the 2026 NATO summit as a 'tale of two summits.' It highlights the dual nature of the event: one focused on former President Donald Trump's grievances and agenda, and another centered on the broader alliance's concerns and priorities. The piece references a New York Times report from July 9, 2026, noting that Trump's behavior at the summit, including airing preexisting grievances, overshadowed the collective NATO agenda. The analysis underscores the tension between Trump's unilateral approach and the alliance's multilateral goals, reflecting ongoing challenges within NATO regarding leadership and strategic cohesion.
German Marshall Fund of the United StatesInside NATO's extraordinary 48 hours that revealed Trump's grip on global diplomacy
The article describes a dramatic 48-hour period at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where President Donald Trump's shifting stance on Iran, Ukraine, Greenland, and European defense spending dominated the agenda. Initially, allies braced for confrontation after Trump announced he was ending the Iran ceasefire deal, causing markets to fall and oil prices to rise. However, behind closed doors, the mood shifted dramatically, with world leaders describing a 'love-in' with Trump. Despite the improved optics, major unresolved issues remain, including Iran's nuclear ambitions, Ukraine's security, and America's role in NATO. The summit demonstrated how quickly global geopolitics can pivot around Trump's personal decisions.
US Top News and AnalysisNATO summit dashes Putin's hopes of outlasting the West in Ukraine
The NATO summit held in Ankara in July 2026 delivered a strong show of unity among Western allies on continued support for Ukraine, dashing Russian President Vladimir Putin's hopes that Western disunity would hand Russia victory. Despite tensions between US President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders on issues like Greenland and Iran, the summit produced major funding commitments worth tens of billions of dollars for 2026-2027 and recognized Ukraine's transition from aid recipient to transatlantic security contributor. Notably, Trump spoke warmly of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and signaled readiness to grant Ukraine a license to produce interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system, which could help counter Russia's ballistic missile strikes. The article also highlights Ukraine's growing battlefield successes, including drone warfare that has imposed a 'logistics lockdown' on Russian-occupied Crimea and caused a fuel crisis inside Russia, undermining Putin's narrative of inevitable victory.
Atlantic CouncilInside NATO's Extraordinary 48 Hours: Trump's Grip on Global Diplomacy
The article describes a dramatic 48-hour period at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where President Donald Trump's changing tone and demands dominated the agenda. Allies initially braced for confrontation over issues including Iran's nuclear threat, Ukraine's security, Denmark's refusal to hand over Greenland, and Spain's low military spending. Trump threatened to abandon the Iran ceasefire, causing markets to plunge and oil prices to spike. However, behind closed doors, the mood shifted dramatically, with leaders describing a 'love-in' with Trump. Despite the temporary détente, major unresolved questions remain about America's role in NATO, Iran policy, and Ukraine's future support.
US Top News and AnalysisTrump praises NATO unity, attacks Iran 'scum' after ordering new strikes
President Donald Trump concluded the two-day NATO summit in Turkey with positive remarks about alliance unity and a promise to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense missiles. However, he simultaneously escalated military conflict with Iran, declaring the ceasefire 'over' and ordering a second night of strikes on Iran. Iran retaliated by firing at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Trump publicly called Iran's leaders 'scum' and 'sick people,' and threatened harsher retribution if Iran continues bombing ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The article notes that Trump began the summit bashing allies publicly but was more positive behind closed doors. Analysts suggest the renewed conflict reflects a divide within Iran's leadership between hard-liners and pragmatists, and leaves Trump mired in an unpopular war ahead of midterm elections.
TheWeek feedTrump Praises NATO Unity, Orders Second Night of Strikes on Iran
President Donald Trump concluded a two-day NATO summit in Turkey with positive remarks about alliance unity and a promise to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense missiles. However, he simultaneously escalated military conflict with Iran, declaring the ceasefire 'over' and ordering a second night of strikes on Iranian targets. Iran retaliated by firing at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Trump publicly denounced Iran's leaders as 'scum' and 'sick people,' and warned on social media that if Iran continues bombing ships in the Strait of Hormuz, 'retribution' will 'get much worse.' Analysts note that while Trump was publicly critical of NATO, he was more positive behind closed doors, with CNN calling the summit a 'master class in managing a mercurial president.' The renewed conflict reflects a divide within Iran's leadership between hard-liners seeking control of the waterway and pragmatists seeking sanctions relief. The Washington Post observes that Trump is now 'mired in an unpopular war' with midterm elections less than four months away.
TheWeek feedTrump praises NATO unity, attacks Iran 'scum' after ordering new strikes
President Donald Trump concluded a two-day NATO summit in Turkey with praise for alliance unity and a promise to let Ukraine produce Patriot missiles, while simultaneously escalating military conflict with Iran. After declaring the ceasefire 'over,' Trump ordered a second night of strikes on Iran, which retaliated by firing at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Trump publicly called Iran's leaders 'scum' and 'sick people,' and threatened harsher retribution if Iran continues bombing ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The article notes that Trump began the summit bashing allies publicly but was more positive behind closed doors, with CNN calling the summit a 'master class in managing a mercurial president.' The renewed conflict reflects a divide among Iran's leadership between hard-liners seeking control of the waterway and pragmatists seeking sanctions relief. The Washington Post observes that Trump is now 'mired in an unpopular war that he cannot seem to end' with midterm elections approaching.
TheWeek feedNATO Summit in Ankara: Trump Criticizes Allies, Then Projects Unity; Ukraine Gets Aid and Patriot Missile License
The final day of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8 began tensely after the US resumed strikes on Iran overnight. US President Donald Trump publicly criticized European allies for not supporting the strikes, questioned their loyalty, and lashed out at Spain, Iran, and renewed designs on Greenland. However, inside the meeting, Trump was reportedly diplomatic and did not repeat his criticisms. After the summit, Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte both praised the unity of the alliance. The summit declaration reiterated that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Ukraine was invited to the summit, and while membership was not offered, the declaration noted Ukraine's contribution to transatlantic security. Allies committed 70 billion euros in military aid to Kyiv for this year and at least the same for 2027. The US granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles. In a bilateral meeting, Trump praised Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian army, but also made controversial remarks about similarities between Ukrainians and Russians and his relationship with Putin.
OilPrice.com Daily News UpdateTrump Begins NATO Summit with Grievances, Softens Tone and Signs Communiqué
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump initially criticized allies for lack of support for the Iran war and reiterated his belief that America should control Greenland, straining relations with Europe. However, he later softened his tone and signed a communiqué reaffirming NATO's 'ironclad commitment to collective defence.' The article, published in The Economist's July 11th 2026 edition, highlights the bipolar nature of the summit and Trump's shifting stance.
Latest UpdatesPolitics: Trump at NATO Summit in Ankara
The article reports on U.S. President Donald Trump's participation in the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey. Trump began the summit by expressing grievances with allies, criticizing their lack of support for the Iran war and reiterating his belief that the U.S. should control Greenland, which he said had hurt his relationship with Europe. However, he softened his tone during the gathering and ultimately signed a communiqué that reaffirmed NATO's 'ironclad commitment to our collective defence.' The piece is part of The Economist's 'The world this week' section, published in the July 11th 2026 edition.
Latest UpdatesTrump Begins NATO Summit with Grievances, Softens Tone Later
The article reports on the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey, on July 9th 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump began the summit by expressing grievances with allies, complaining about their lack of support for the Iran war and reiterating his belief that the U.S. should control Greenland, which he said had hurt his relationship with Europe. However, Trump softened his tone during the gathering and ultimately signed a communiqué that reaffirmed NATO's 'ironclad commitment to our collective defence'. The article is part of The Economist's 'The world this week' section, published in the July 11th 2026 edition.
Latest UpdatesNATO's Rutte Praised Trump at Summit, But Analysts Question Tangible Benefits
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte lavished praise on U.S. President Donald Trump during a fractious NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8-9, 2026. Rutte thanked Trump for pushing NATO allies to increase defense spending, calling it a 'staggering' achievement and coining the term 'Trump trillion' for the additional $1.2 trillion spent. Trump, in turn, called Rutte a 'great leader' and the alliance's 'biggest asset.' However, the summit was marked by Trump's threats to sever trade ties with Spain, express disappointment over NATO's response to the U.S.-Iran conflict, and reignite a feud with Denmark over Greenland. Analysts, including Chatham House's Marion Messmer, questioned whether Rutte's flattery yielded tangible benefits for NATO, noting that Trump remains dissatisfied with the alliance and that Europe should focus on strengthening its own security rather than relying on personal diplomacy.
US Top News and AnalysisTrump at NATO Summit: Speaks for Putin, Threatens Allies, Allows Ukraine Patriot Production
At the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump criticized the alliance for not supporting his war against Iran and for its stance on Greenland, threatened to end relations with Spain, and reiterated demands for Denmark to cede Greenland. He spoke favorably of Russian President Putin and drew moral equivalence between Ukraine and Russia. Despite his grievances, Trump agreed to license Ukraine to build Patriot missile interceptors, a move that does not address Ukraine's immediate need to counter Russian ballistic missiles. NATO allies expressed frustration but noted the alliance remained intact, issuing a joint declaration pledging 70 million euros in military aid to Ukraine this year and next. Trump ended direct US aid to Ukraine in January 2025 but continues to sell weapons to European allies for transfer to Ukraine.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Disparages NATO Allies, Speaks for Putin, Allows Ukraine to Build Patriot Missiles
At the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies, spoke favorably of Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatened to end relations with Spain, and reiterated his desire to take Greenland from Denmark. He complained that NATO members refused to join his war against Iran. Despite his grievances, Trump allowed Ukraine to build Patriot anti-ballistic missile interceptors, a move that does not address Ukraine's immediate need to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks. NATO issued a joint declaration expressing solidarity with Ukraine and promising 70 million euros in military aid. Former US officials expressed frustration over Trump's damage to alliances, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it a good day. Trump ended US aid to Ukraine in January 2025 but has sold weapons to European allies for transfer to Ukraine.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Trump Says He Is 'At the Very Top' of Iran's Assassination List at NATO Summit
The NATO summit in Turkey was dominated by US President Donald Trump's threats and criticism of allies, yet German Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul declared the alliance stronger than ever. Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, claimed he is 'at the top of their list' regarding Iranian assassination threats, dismissing questions about security precautions. He switched aircraft in the UK, fueling speculation about security risks. Separately, the US initiated the removal of Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list, with Secretary of State Rubio calling it a historic step. Trump met Syrian interim President al-Sharaa on the summit sidelines, praising their relationship. The summit also saw reaffirmation of NATO unity and support for Ukraine.
Nachrichten - WELTWas the NATO Summit a success?
The Atlantic Council analyzes the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump declared it a 'tremendously successful' event despite initial tensions over defense spending, Greenland, and Iran. Allies reaffirmed Article 5, called on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, and announced $50 billion in new defense procurement and $80 billion for Ukraine. Trump met warmly with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, supporting long-range strikes and allowing Ukraine to license and produce Patriot missiles. Experts note relief among Europeans but warn of a 'stronger Europe in a weaker NATO' due to US commitment uncertainty. The defense industry was highlighted, and there is palpable nervousness about potential US troop reductions in Europe.
Atlantic CouncilAtlantic Council Experts Assess NATO Summit Success Amid Defense Deals and Ukraine Support
Atlantic Council experts analyze the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump declared it a 'tremendously successful summit' despite initial criticism of allies on defense spending and renewed threats regarding Greenland and Iran. The summit produced a communiqué reaffirming Article 5, calling on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, and announcing $50 billion in new defense procurement and $80 billion for Ukraine. Experts note relief among Europeans at Trump's upbeat tone but warn of 'rockier terrain ahead.' Key developments include a warm meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, with support for long-range strikes into Russia and Ukraine producing its own Patriot interceptor missiles. The defense industry was highlighted as the 'honorary thirty-third member' of NATO. However, analysts observe 'a stronger Europe in a weaker NATO' due to US leadership uncertainty and nervousness over potential US troop reductions in Europe.
Atlantic Council