NATO leaders are gathering in Ankara, Turkey, for a closely watched summit expected to focus on defense spending, support for Ukraine and the future of the transatlantic alliance. The meeting comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on member nations to increase military investment.

With security challenges mounting across Europe, alliance leaders hope the two-day summit will reinforce NATO’s unity despite growing disagreements over spending and strategy.

Trump demands faster spending increases

Ahead of the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged member states to present “clear, concrete and credible” plans to meet the alliance’s defense spending targets.

Trump has repeatedly argued that European allies should shoulder a larger share of NATO’s financial burden, calling the current balance unfair to American taxpayers. He has urged members to move toward spending 5% of GDP on defense and related security investments as quickly as possible.

Ukraine remains a central issue

Leaders are also expected to reaffirm military support for Ukraine, with NATO countries preparing additional defense assistance over the coming year.

Although Ukraine is not expected to receive a formal invitation to join the alliance during this summit, member states are expected to emphasize their continued commitment to helping the country defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Tensions remain within the alliance

Despite shared security goals, relations between Washington and several NATO allies have been strained in recent months over issues including defense spending, U.S. foreign policy and military strategy.

Trump has also questioned whether the United States should continue carrying the largest share of NATO’s defense responsibilities, while U.S. officials have signaled that future troop deployments in Europe could be reviewed.

Focus on alliance unity

One of the summit’s most closely watched outcomes will be the final joint declaration from NATO leaders. Reports suggest the document will reaffirm the alliance’s commitment to Article 5, the collective defense principle stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Reiterating that commitment is viewed as particularly significant given recent debates surrounding NATO’s future and the alliance’s long-term cohesion.

A pivotal moment for NATO

Beyond new spending pledges, leaders will be aiming to demonstrate that NATO remains united despite political differences among its members. Defense spending, support for Ukraine and adapting to evolving global security threats are expected to dominate discussions throughout the summit.

While major policy announcements remain possible, many observers believe the summit’s greatest measure of success will be whether alliance leaders emerge presenting a united front at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.