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NATO Leaders Meet in Ankara Amid Trump Tensions

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NATO leaders will gather in Ankara next week for a high-stakes summit aimed at reinforcing alliance unity despite growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. European members are expected to highlight increased defence spending and stronger military capabilities as Washington scales back parts of its military commitment to Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the summit will focus on turning higher defence budgets into combat-ready forces and expanding the alliance’s defence industry.

The meeting is also expected to reaffirm NATO’s support for Ukraine, with leaders pledging continued military assistance in its war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Trump. European leaders hope the personal ties between Trump, Erdoğan and Rutte will help keep discussions constructive despite recent disagreements.

The summit comes after months of strain within the alliance, including disputes over the Iran conflict, Trump’s criticism of NATO spending, and U.S. troop reductions in Europe. European officials remain concerned that renewed tensions or developments in the Middle East could overshadow the gathering. Even so, NATO diplomats say leaders recognise the importance of presenting a united front and maintaining the alliance’s collective security commitments.

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Rubio Signals ‘New Era’ Ahead of Munich Summit

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described a “defining moment” in global affairs as he arrived in Europe to lead the American delegation at the Munich Security Conference. His visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions following President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks about annexing Greenland. Rubio said the world was entering a “new era in geopolitics” that would require allies to reassess their roles and priorities within the evolving international order.

European leaders have responded with a mix of caution and resolve. Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to prepare for greater strategic independence from the U.S., while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that transatlantic ties remain vital. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she would meet Rubio to address U.S. comments regarding Greenland, as concerns grow over Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO and European security.

The conference agenda includes the war in Ukraine, tensions with China and prospects for a renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the gathering could yield “new steps” for shared European security. Meanwhile, German and British leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are expected to hold key discussions on defence spending and alliance cohesion, as policymakers navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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Germany Says It Will Remain Closer to U.S. Than China Despite Strains

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Germany will remain closer to the United States than to China, despite recent tensions in transatlantic relations, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday. Speaking in Singapore, Wadephul stressed that Germany is “not in equidistance” between Washington and Beijing, adding that the U.S. continues to be Europe’s most important partner, particularly when it comes to security.

He acknowledged growing friction with Washington, including criticism from the Trump administration over Europe’s defence spending and reliance on U.S. military support. However, Wadephul warned against turning to China as an alternative, saying it would be the “wrong answer” for Europe to assume that closer ties with Beijing could replace the U.S. relationship, even as some Western countries pursue new trade deals with China.

Wadephul said Europe’s firm and united response to U.S. claims over Greenland showed the continent could defend its interests by clearly defining red lines. He also highlighted the European Union’s expanding network of free trade agreements as a key pillar of rules-based global trade and said the bloc is moving quickly to finalise new deals in the Asia-Pacific region, including with Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.

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