Politics · July 2026

The NATO summit in Ankara on July 9, 2026, saw Turkish President Erdogan gift each attending leader a revolver and ammunition, a detail revealed by UK Prime Minister Starmer. US President Trump chose not to use a new Qatari jet and instead flew on the older Air Force One after the summit. The gathering also discussed European defense autonomy and Ukraine funding, with opinions on the summit's success varying. NATO allies pledged 140 billion euros for Ukraine over 2026 and 2027, while elevating Kyiv's status to security contributor. Kremlin spokesperson Zakharova called Zelenskyy's participation in the NATO summit humiliating, while Russia labeled NATO's promises to Ukraine as irresponsible. Trump did not call Putin after the NATO summit, and the Kremlin commented on Trump and Rubio's NATO remarks on Ukraine. Croatian President Milanović stated Croatia will not join the 'Coalition of the Willing' after the NATO summit.