Former NATO Ambassador Backs Increased Defense Spending Ahead of NATO Summit

Kurt Volker, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to NATO, discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, which President Donald Trump is set to attend. Volker highlighted Trump’s efforts to enhance defense spending among allied nations and the need for unity within the alliance, particularly in light of recent tensions following operations in Iran. He underscored NATO’s essential role in deterring aggression and supporting the U.S. since the events of September 11, 2001.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is urging the U.S. and Europe to ramp up missile supplies to defend Ukraine against ongoing Russian assaults. In a post on X, he noted, “Last night, Kiev was hit hard by a major Russian attack, with 68 missiles and 351 drones deployed.” President Trump is expected to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, this week.

Zelenskiy has called for strong commitments from the U.S. and European allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense. He stated, “Our forces performed admirably against drones and cruise missiles, but we’ve struggled with Russian ballistic missiles due to a lack of interceptor supplies. It’s crucial for the U.S. and our European partners to come out of the NATO summit with decisive support for our air defense, as this is vital for protecting the lives of ordinary citizens.”

Zelenskiy expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stating that as long as Patriot missiles remain on hold, Russia will likely continue its attacks on civilian areas. He believes the U.S. and Europe hold the power to put an end to this violence.

In a related note, the NATO summit is anticipated to draw various world leaders, including South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are set to convene with NATO leaders for discussions.