NATO pledges €70B Ukraine aid, boosts defense at Ankara
NATO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty as the Ankara Summit concluded on Wednesday, July 8. Allies agreed on major new defense investments, including at least €70 billion in military support for Ukraine in 2026, with an equivalent level planned for 2027.
In their joint declaration, heads of state and government reiterated that an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. They emphasized that allied unity remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security amidst long-term threats from Russia and persistent terrorism risks.
Rutte highlights rapid defense investment growth
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that decisions made last year in The Hague are already operational. He noted that total defense investment has reached 4% just one year into a ten-year plan.
"Allies continue to raise core defense spending and broader investments that strengthen our collective security," Rutte stated, emphasizing that the focus has decisively shifted from setting targets to delivering concrete results.
€70 billion package and new defense initiatives
The Alliance announced procurement contracts exceeding $50 billion and launched "NATO’s Drone Edge," a $40 billion program dedicated to uncrewed systems over the next five years. Additionally, Rutte unveiled a €27 billion investment to modernize NATO's fuel supply infrastructure, expanding storage and pipeline capacity toward the Eastern Flank.
Allies also committed to advancing air and missile defense, long-range precision strike capabilities, artificial intelligence, and an interoperable transatlantic cloud system for military operations.
Political and military support for Ukraine remains steadfast. "As long as Russia continues its war, we will ensure Ukraine receives everything it needs," Rutte said, describing the Alliance's updated strategy as "NATO 3.0"—a stronger Europe within a more resilient NATO, safeguarding one billion citizens.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
