NATO summit to discuss 70 billion euro Ukraine aid and collective defence
2026-07-07
Aid plan to be written into outcome document
The NATO summit opened on the 7th in Ankara, Turkey. In addition to seeking an agreement on 70 billion euros, or about 13 trillion yen, in aid for Ukraine, a key issue will be reaffirming collective defence obligations among all members, including the United States.
NATO will hold a meeting and dinner on the 7th on promoting the defence industry, and on the 8th it will convene the main session of the North Atlantic Council, attended by leaders from its 32 member countries. A senior German government official said on the 6th that the alliance is moving to include support measures for Ukraine, which is under Russian aggression, in the closing outcome document.
Europe to be the main source of funds
The aid will total at least 70 billion euros in 2026, with a plan to secure at least the same level in 2027 as well. Funding contributions will mainly come from European member states. The breakdown of the 70 billion euros has not been disclosed, but it is expected to include much of the support Europe has announced so far. The senior German official said the agreement would encourage additional contributions from European countries.
European members will also use NATO frameworks, including one in which weapons are bought from the United States and sent to Ukraine. Russia continues to attack with drones that fly faster than before and with ballistic missiles, and Ukraine is asking supporting countries to expand deliveries of air defence systems.
Keeping US ties intact remains a challenge
US President Donald Trump is arranging a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy around the summit. At the Group of Seven summit held in Evian, France, in June, leaders agreed on support for Ukraine and stronger pressure on Russia.
European members want to maintain momentum for Ukraine support at the NATO summit and persuade Trump. Trump has long criticised NATO's European members for 'freeloading' on US military power, and he has also attacked Europe for being cautious about cooperating in US strikes on Iran. At one point, he even said he was considering 'leaving NATO'.
The European side wants to show it is prepared to take on a heavier share of responsibility for regional defence in order to keep Trump engaged. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told a press conference in Ankara on the 6th that 'we will share responsibility for security on both sides of the Atlantic fairly'.
Defence spending target also in focus
At the 2025 summit, member countries agreed on a new defence spending target. They pledged to spend 3.5% of gross domestic product, or GDP, on defence by 2035, and 5% in total including costs for related areas such as infrastructure and cyber. The United States has said the European side is moving too slowly to flesh out the new target and has also indicated it will reduce support for countries it deems insufficiently committed to strengthening defence.
At this summit, non-US members are expected to present plans to sharply increase defence investment. NATO's Article 5 sets out collective defence, under which an attack on one country is regarded as an attack on all members. According to Reuters, the draft outcome document in Ankara is expected to include a 'reaffirmation of the strong commitment' to Article 5. The focus will be whether Trump is satisfied with the European effort and agrees to a document showing NATO unity.
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