Trump looms large as Nato grapples with challenge of rearming Europe

July 7, 2026

At a NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey, US President Donald Trump received a ceremonial welcome from Turkish President Erdogan but continued to create friction within the alliance through controversial statements about Greenland and criticism of allies who didn't support his recent war with Iran. While Trump's disruptive presence overshadowed the gathering, NATO members focused on substantial defense cooperation efforts, including major contracts for transport and early warning aircraft built by European manufacturers. Ukrainian President Zelensky attended to urge immediate development of affordable anti-ballistic missile systems, warning that Europe cannot wait until 2030 as Russian attacks continue to devastate Ukrainian cities.

Who is affected

Donald Trump (US President)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Denmark and its Prime Minister (regarding Greenland comments)
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the British delegation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian civilians (killed by Russian missile strikes in Kyiv)
NATO member states and delegates
European defense industries (Airbus, Sweden's GlobeEye manufacturers)
Ukrainian air defense teams

What action is being taken

Turkish President Erdogan is hosting the NATO summit in Ankara
Turkey is providing ceremonial welcomes and security for the summit
NATO delegates are working on rearming Europe and coordinating defense industry cooperation
Large contracts are being announced for Airbus to build transport aircraft
Sweden's GlobeEye planes are replacing NATO's AWACS early warning aircraft
Joint projects on missiles are being discussed
Russia is launching ballistic missile attacks on residential buildings in Kyiv
Work on Europe's anti-ballistic system and missiles is already under way
The US is steadily reducing its defense commitments to Europe

Why it matters

This summit represents a critical juncture for NATO as the alliance faces multiple existential challenges: Trump's continued hostility threatens the cohesion of the Western alliance, particularly following his unilateral war with Iran that allies refused to join. Europe must rapidly develop independent defense capabilities, especially anti-ballistic missile systems, as US commitment wanes and Russia continues devastating attacks on Ukraine. The urgency is heightened by intelligence assessments suggesting Russia could threaten NATO territory within four years after the Ukraine war ends, making the current rearmament and defense industrial cooperation efforts vital for European security and the alliance's future viability.

What's next

Europe needs affordable mass-produced anti-ballistic systems as soon as possible (President Zelensky urging this cannot wait until 2030 or beyond)
The race continues to build up credible air defenses against Russia's growing arsenal
Concerns about Russia embarking on a rapid rearmament programme once the Ukraine war stops, potentially threatening NATO territory within four years

Read full article from source: BBC