Zelenskiy: agreed to continue talks with Trump at NATO summit in Turkey

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has confirmed that he will continue discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The two leaders had a recent phone conversation, during which they agreed to meet in person to address ongoing issues related to Ukraine’s defense and the broader geopolitical landscape. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the U.S. support, including military aid such as Javelin and Patriot systems, as well as political backing in the face of Russia’s invasion.

The NATO summit, scheduled for July 7–8, 2026, will bring together leaders from across the alliance to discuss defense spending, strategic priorities, and the evolving security environment. European nations have increased defense budgets in response to U.S. calls for greater burden-sharing, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizing the need to translate increased spending into combat-ready capabilities. The summit will also address the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, with European leaders seeking to reinforce unity and deterrence against Russian aggression.

Turkey, as the host nation, plays a pivotal role in the summit. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has leveraged his position to strengthen Turkey’s influence within NATO and the broader Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Turkey’s strategic location and military capabilities, including its control over Black Sea access, make it a key player in regional stability. However, concerns persist regarding Turkey’s domestic governance and its alignment with NATO’s democratic principles.

The summit will also test the transatlantic relationship amid Trump’s continued skepticism about NATO’s value and his unpredictable approach to foreign policy. While European leaders hope for a smooth and constructive dialogue, they remain wary of potential tensions, particularly in light of Trump’s recent criticisms of NATO and his close ties with Erdoğan. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of NATO and the broader geopolitical balance in Europe and beyond.