Trump among NATO leaders to make ‘ironclad commitment’ on defence at next week’s summit, document shows
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- NATO leaders including Trump will affirm an 'ironclad commitment' to Article 5 collective defence at the Ankara summit on July 7–8, per a declaration text approved by ambassadors of all 32 members on Friday
- NATO members are set to pledge €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026, with 'at least equivalent levels' of support committed for 2027
- Trump had previously clashed with European leaders, cast doubt on the US commitment to NATO's mutual defence pact, and said he was considering quitting the alliance — yet signed onto the joint declaration
- The declaration labels Russia 'a long-term threat' to Euro-Atlantic security and states that European allies and Canada are delivering on last year's Hague summit commitment to increase defence spending
- The text states 'Iran must never have a nuclear weapon' and calls on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
Why it matters: Trump's signature on an Article 5 affirmation is a notable reversal given his public musings about quitting NATO, while the €70 billion Ukraine pledge and Russia-as-threat language project allied unity. The declaration simultaneously credits European members and Canada with assuming 'greater responsibility for the Alliance's defence,' suggesting NATO is positioning itself to absorb continued US political volatility around the alliance.
