NATO leaders unveiled more than $50 billion in defence agreements on Tuesday as they sought to demonstrate increased military spending in line with US demands, while President Donald Trump said he was disappointed with the alliance and renewed his call for US control of Greenland.
Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, Trump also announced plans to lift sanctions on Türkiye and expressed optimism about ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump criticises NATO allies
Trump said he felt "very disappointed" with NATO, accusing Britain, France, Germany and Italy of failing to provide sufficient support during the US conflict with Iran.
He added that he might not have attended the summit if it had not been hosted by Türkiye, citing his strong relationship with Erdoğan.
NATO announces $50bln defence deals
Ahead of the leaders' meeting, NATO members unveiled defence agreements worth at least $50 billion, including European purchases of surveillance drones from Northrop Grumman and aircraft from Swedish defence manufacturer Saab AB.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to rapidly expand defence production, warning that Russia, China, North Korea and Iran continue to pose growing security challenges.
Sanctions on Türkiye to be lifted
Trump said Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Türkiye in 2020 over its purchase of Russian air defence systems.
He also signalled support for a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, describing the country as a valued ally.
Greenland claim reiterated
The US president again argued that Greenland should be under American control, saying the Arctic territory is strategically important to US security.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the remarks, insisting Greenland is not for sale and that Denmark's sovereignty must be respected.
Trump said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that he believes both leaders are willing to negotiate an end to the war.
Meanwhile, NATO leaders are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, which continues to seek additional air defence systems amid intensified Russian attacks.
