The NATO summit has commenced in Washington, DC, amidst the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Leaders are focusing on strategic responses and reinforcing alliances to address these pressing global crises.
Over the next two days, the summit will feature high-profile events, including a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Additionally, there will be meetings between EU and NATO’s Asia-Pacific partners, alongside over 20 sessions among NATO allies and partners who have pledged bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. President Biden will also hold a rare solo press conference on Thursday evening.
These engagements mark a critical juncture in international diplomacy, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges. The summit, culminating on Thursday, emphasizes efforts to reinforce strategic alliances and foster global security and cooperation.
2220 GMT — Zelenskyy Urges Immediate Action Against Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for immediate action against Russia’s offensive, emphasizing that the world should not wait until November’s US presidential election to take decisive steps. Zelenskyy highlighted that global attention is focused on the upcoming election, with Russian President Vladimir Putin also anticipating the outcome.
2326 GMT — Turkish President Erdogan and Hungarian PM Orban Hold Talks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the sidelines of the NATO summit. They discussed bilateral ties and regional and global issues. Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s efforts to end the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and called for increased international efforts to ensure peace. He also discussed Türkiye’s EU accession process and advancing relations with the bloc during Hungary’s presidency.
2340 GMT — Trump Foreign Policy Adviser Meets European Officials
Keith Kellogg, a top foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump, met with several high-ranking European officials during the NATO summit. While details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meetings reflect preparations for the possible reelection of Trump.
2215 GMT — Blinken, Stoltenberg Discuss NATO Membership ‘Bridge’ for Ukraine
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg discussed plans to develop a membership “bridge” for Ukraine, enabling its defense against Russian aggression. They highlighted significant progress in burden-sharing among allies, with over two-thirds meeting the commitment to defense spending.
2215 GMT — Biden Welcomes NATO Leaders, Asserts Ukraine’s Capability to Stop Putin
President Biden welcomed NATO allies, emphasizing the alliance’s strength and unity. He condemned Putin’s ambitions in Ukraine and affirmed that Ukraine can and will stop him.
2200 GMT — Jens Stoltenberg Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jens Stoltenberg, recognizing his leadership as NATO Secretary General. The honor highlights Stoltenberg’s contributions to strengthening transatlantic ties and promoting global security.
2150 GMT — US and Allies to Provide Patriot Systems to Ukraine
The US, Germany, Romania, and the Netherlands have pledged to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems. Additionally, Italy will supply a SAMP-T air defense system, while other allies will contribute various systems to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
