Trump Reverses at NATO Summit, Promises Patriot Missile Licensing to Ukraine
Updated
Updated · Salon · Jul 12
Trump Reverses at NATO Summit, Promises Patriot Missile Licensing to Ukraine
3 articles · Updated · Salon · Jul 12
Summary
After a closed-door session with NATO leaders in Ankara, Trump abruptly shifted from public attacks to declaring “tremendous unity” and meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy with unusual warmth.
That turnaround followed a sour start driven by Iran’s ceasefire violation and Trump’s anger that allies such as Italy and Spain had not supported U.S. Iran operations.
Trump also said he would consider letting Ukraine build Patriot missiles under license, a notable softening after earlier complaints about U.S. support for Kyiv.
The summit still exposed volatility: Trump floated F-35 sales to Turkey, renewed talk of taking Greenland, and misspoke by referring to the “Islamic Republic of Japan” and calling Zelenskyy “President Putin.”
For NATO allies, the better ending did not erase broader concern that Trump’s swings in tone and confusion could unsettle alliance policy in future crises.
Is Trump's chaotic diplomacy a flaw, or a deliberate strategy to force a new world order?
Will a militarily independent Europe create continental stability or ignite new rivalries?
NATO at a Crossroads: U.S.-Spain Trade Threats, Defense Spending Disputes, and the 2026 Ankara Summit Fallout
Overview
The Ankara NATO Summit on July 8, 2026, brought together leaders from all 32 member states, where they publicly reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defense. Despite Secretary General Mark Rutte calling the meeting 'tremendously successful,' the summit was marked by persistent disagreements over defense spending, especially between the U.S. and European allies. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ambassador Matthew Whitaker criticized uneven contributions, highlighting ongoing tensions. These disputes reflect deeper, long-standing issues within NATO about burden-sharing and alliance priorities, raising questions about future cohesion and the ability of members to work together amid growing security challenges.