The NATO summit kicks off with a major question: what might change for Ukraine as early as this week
7 July 12:02
ANALYSIS 
Today, July 7, the NATO summit begins in Ankara, and one of its key issues will be continued military support for Ukraine. Although the situation in Ukraine is not the central topic of the allies’ meeting, further support for Kyiv will depend on decisions regarding funding, air defense systems, and negotiations among leaders.
Experts interviewed by
The event’s website noted that the three main topics will be defense investments, the defense industry, and support for Ukraine.
“NATO supports Ukraine’s inalienable right to self-defense and coordinates the delivery of aid from allies and partners. Since 2022, NATO allies have been providing Ukraine with unprecedented levels of military assistance, including military equipment, logistical support, training, and other critically important support worth billions of euros,” the event organizers noted.
The best way to help end the war and ensure a lasting and just peace is to ensure that Ukraine participates in all negotiations from a position of strength, the Alliance emphasized.
The main focus: aid to Ukraine in 2026–2027
Political analyst Ruslan Bortnik in an exclusive comment
“We are awaiting a decision on funding for 2026–2027. There is a serious debate within NATO about whether there will be guarantees for 2027 and what the amount of that funding will be—40 or 70 billion,” he said.
According to the expert, there is not yet complete unity within the Alliance:
“There are positions taken by Italy and some other countries that do not want to provide such guarantees for a longer term.”
The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump could be pivotal
Another important event at the summit could be the meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States.
Ruslan Bortnik notes that a possible phone call between Donald Trump and Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin is also expected.
“We’re waiting for the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump and a possible call to Putin. It was announced there that this could seriously affect the negotiation process,” the expert emphasized.
In his view, the allies may also separately assess the latest massive Russian strikes on Kyiv.
“We are awaiting our partners’ assessment of the latest Russian strikes on the city of Kyiv. And, possibly, a review and allocation of additional air defense packages,” Bortnik noted.
At the same time, the expert urges caution regarding optimistic predictions:
“Expectations are quite high, but it’s still difficult to predict whether they will be met.”
The main priority is missiles for the Patriot system
Military expert Oleg Zhdanov in an exclusive comment
At the same time, he acknowledges that it is difficult to predict Donald Trump’s position.
“It’s very hard to say what to expect from Trump. He’s an unpredictable person. But lately, he’s given hope of some support for Ukraine,” the expert said.
According to Zhdanov, the Ukrainian side may be able to reach concrete agreements.
“We can hope that President Zelenskyy will reach agreements on certain issues that are of interest to us,” he explained.
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Ukraine is counting on Patriot systems and missile production
According to the expert, the negotiations may focus not only on new air defense systems but also on ammunition for them:
“These are air defense systems—or, more precisely, the ammunition for them, first and foremost.”
Zhdanov also noted that Zelenskyy had previously discussed with Donald Trump the issue of producing PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems.
“Recently, President Zelenskyy raised the issue of obtaining a license to produce PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems specifically with Trump. So we can expect some positive developments here,” the expert noted.
Will NATO Approve $70 Billion?
According to the military expert, special attention should be paid to the possible approval of a new military aid package.
“The most important thing is for the NATO summit to approve $70 billion in military aid for us. That is our priority,” Zhdanov emphasized.
He notes that the relevant clause has already been included in the draft final communiqué:
“It’s in the final communiqué. They agree on it in advance. The main thing is that nothing falls through and everyone votes in favor.”
At the same time, Zhdanov acknowledges that Ukraine is not the central topic of the meeting this time.
“Unfortunately, Ukraine isn’t the key issue at this summit. Let’s hope we’ll bring back some positive perks,” the expert concluded.
What Ukraine Might Gain
Experts agree that the main outcomes of the summit for Ukraine could be:
- agreement on long-term funding for military aid;
- new decisions regarding the transfer of air defense systems and missiles to the Patriot system;
- political support following the latest massive Russian strikes;
- possible agreements during the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
It is precisely these decisions that could determine the level of support Ukraine receives from its allies in the coming years.
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