Nato leaders informally agreed to avoid discussing the World Cup with Donald Trump at the Ankara summit, fearing his irritation over the US team's defeat could destabilize the alliance amidst ongoing concerns about defense spending and member contributions.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over, calling its leaders "scum." He also expressed anger at NATO allies for defense spending and threatened trade with Spain over its stance.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised Donald Trump's policies, stating he was right to push allies for increased defense spending and military modernization. Rutte also defended the U.S. role in the "Epic Fury" campaign against Iran, highlighting European support.
NATO leaders and partners convene in Ankara, Turkey, July 7-8, to assess progress on defense spending commitments made at the 2025 Hague summit and discuss future objectives amid ongoing conflicts.
Europe is concerned the US defense industrial base cannot fulfill weapons pledges to NATO allies due to depleted stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. This leaves allies considering new defense avenues as US arms shipments are delayed or canceled.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the NATO summit in Ankara to bolster support for the alliance, seeking to counter potential destabilization from Donald Trump's threats over defense spending. The UK aims to build a "stronger and more European NATO" and address US concerns about burden-sharing.
China launched a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Western Pacific as part of a routine test. The launch occurred during China's peak military exercise season, drawing notification from New Zealand and occurring shortly after Australia and Fiji announced a new military pact.
Crimea declared an "emergency situation" due to fuel shortages and power cuts from Ukrainian aerial attacks. Russia reported shooting down 660 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine plans domestic AI computing capacity with Kyivstar, and both nations swapped 160 captured soldiers.
Latvia and another Nato member warn Russia may prepare military provocations in Baltic states or Poland. This comes as Ukraine's long-range attacks pressure the Kremlin, potentially leading to hybrid attacks like missiles or drones to deter Ukraine support.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged NATO allies to lead their own defense, calling for a 'NATO 3.0' that is a 'hard-line military alliance' with real capabilities. The US is investing $1.5 trillion in its defense in 2027, aiming to protect American interests and bolster NATO.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Russia on Russia Day, pledging "unwavering support" and stating that North Korea would "always stand together with the Russian Federation." He described the bilateral relationship as strengthening into "sincere and devoted relations of comradely trust and alliance."
Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska's leading party, told TASS that Europe's "aging political elites" are transforming the EU into a military alliance to pressure Russia, citing expansion into Moldova and Armenia. He also claimed Russia and China have an educational advantage over the West and that Germany is shifting to military production due to debt.
AUKUS alliance reaffirmed by US, UK, and Australia, focusing on countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed disappointment that NATO allies were not more involved in attacking Iran and forcing open the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that troop presence in Europe will be adjusted, and these issues will be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Sweden announced a $4 billion deal to purchase four French navy warships, significantly tripling its air defense capacity. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it the country's biggest defense investment since the 1980s, aiming to enhance Baltic Sea security.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov in Pyongyang to strengthen military ties and discuss a long-term cooperation plan for 2027-2031.
Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov has voiced doubt regarding the creation of a European military alliance, citing historical precedents and the unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy toward NATO.
A Russian analyst from MGIMO's Institute of International Studies has expressed strong skepticism about the likelihood of a new military alliance comprising the US, EU, and Ukraine, calling it 'just another ambitious and slightly absurd fantasy.' Maxim Kucherov questioned why Ukraine cannot be integrated into existing frameworks like NATO or the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, warning that such an alliance would likely be viewed unfavorably by Russia and could hinder peace efforts.
