NATO summit in Ankara sees Trump claim Putin and Zelensky seek agreement

The NATO Heads of State and Government summit convened in Ankara, bringing together leaders from 32 NATO members and partner nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

President Trump praised the meeting, saying there was “a lot of love” and calling the summit a “great success.” He also reported a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin followed by a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating both leaders “want to make an agreement.” NATO officials highlighted restored unity after the talks.

The gathering addressed continued support for Ukraine, calls for increased European defence spending, and Turkey’s request that sanctions on its F‑35 programme be lifted. Media outlets noted the shift in Trump’s tone toward Ukraine and the potential diplomatic opening amid ongoing Russian‑Ukrainian conflict.