The First Day of the NATO Summit in Ankara Was Overshadowed by Trump’s Sharp Remarks

The main question on Wednesday will be whether the summit ends with a show of unity or a new split within the alliance. That will depend on Trump’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and a planned statement by the US president on the future of the American military presence in Europe.

“US NATO allies had hoped President Donald Trump would arrive in the Turkish capital in a dealmaking mood. Instead, he opened with sharp remarks, again leaving allies guessing about his commitment to their defense.”

Immediately after arriving, Trump criticized NATO partners. In particular, he said the war in Ukraine does not affect Washington’s interests and again said Greenland should be under US control.

At the same time, alliance members announced new weapons deals worth billions of dollars and presented plans to increase defense spending. Many summit participants, however, were disappointed that the atmosphere had soured on the first day.

“We are all doing exactly what the Americans demanded and what is necessary for our own security. But a morning that was supposed to be devoted to a major increase in defense spending is now overshadowed by complaints about Greenland,” one diplomat said.

According to diplomats, summit participants fear that Trump’s irritation will continue today. They expect him to clarify plans to reduce the US military presence in Europe, further support for Ukraine, and the final press conference before his return to Washington.