NATO allies delivered exactly what President Trump demanded — and Vladimir Putin just had a very bad week.
At the Ankara summit, European allies stepped up with nearly 4% GDP defense spending, closed in on Trump’s 5% target within a year, and pledged 70 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine this year and next. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly admitted Trump was right about Europe’s failures. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed U.S. strikes on Iran after ceasefire violations.
Trump authorized Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptors yesterday — a massive boost for Kyiv’s air defense against increased Russian attacks. The move also expands Patriot production for the United States after rapid depletion during Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
“I think it was absolutely necessary because when you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire… I think it is totally crucial that the U.S. forcefully react.”
Ukraine secured nine drone deals with European allies and Gulf partners. NATO nations reaffirmed united support with equipment, training, and aid commitments stretching through next year.
European NATO members proved vital during Epic Fury despite Trump’s earlier criticism. The U.S. operated from bases across the U.K. throughout the operation. British and French forces provided intelligence, logistics, and air defense for Gulf States. The U.S. deployed nearly 100 tankers across eight allied nations.
European politicians kept support quiet because of domestic unpopularity — especially after Trump’s Greenland threats — but they authorized assistance because weakening Iran benefits Europe.
At Ankara, Trump and NATO leaders strengthened cooperation on Strait of Hormuz security. Allies agreed to a joint minesweeper operation to clear Iranian mines as the ceasefire teeters on collapse.
The Baltic states and Poland saw the Russian threat early. Germany lagged under Angela Merkel. But the tide turned. Denmark stands out as a top ally — hitting nearly 4% GDP and signing new weapons procurement agreements despite Trump’s indefensible Greenland warnings.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio should work privately with Denmark on U.S. security concerns in Greenland. The Danes enforce sanctions and block Chinese Communists from embedding in the High North. Ridiculing them undermines Trump’s success in energizing European defense.
The summit was a win. Trump deserves credit for forcing Europe to fund real defense — a long way toward the peace he wants to deliver.
We signed a Drone Deal agreement with Denmark. This is already Ukraine’s ninth such agreement, and it is important that more and more partners are joining this format, which opens up greater opportunities for joint defense production, the exchange of expertise, and transparency… pic.twitter.com/RnDFQzvwdT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 7, 2026
