18 June 2026 16:17 UTC · NATO · NATO News · Source · Email X Link

NATO says ministers made progress before Ankara Summit

Key points

NATO: ministers made good progress on priorities
NATO: Allies to increase defence investment and modernise nuclear deterrent

TL;DR

Secretary General Mark Rutte said ministers reported increased defence investment and progress on NATO priorities.
Ministers agreed to convert spending into combat-ready capabilities ahead of the Ankara Summit.
Allies in the Nuclear Planning Group committed to modernising the nuclear deterrent; the Ukraine Defence Contact Group reaffirmed support including PURL, attended by President Zelenskyy.

Original text

Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Click the button to return to the page you were on and log in with your new password. 18 June 2026 2 MIN READ On Thursday (18 June 2026), Allied Defence Ministers had their last meeting before the NATO Summit in Ankara next month. Secretary General Mark Rutte described how the ministers made “good progress” on NATO’s priorities. “Spending more, and better, on the forces and capabilities we need to defend every inch of Allied territory. Around the table today I heard Ally, after Ally, after Ally explaining how they are increasing investment in defence,” he said. Mr. Rutte highlighted how defence ministers agreed on a renewed push to turbo-charge transatlantic defence. “Cash is crucial, but you can’t stop a missile or a tank with a dollar or a euro,” he said, “We need to turn the cash into combat-ready capabilities, and fast. This is our shared priority for the Ankara Summit, and for the years ahead.” The Secretary General emphasised the importance of European Allies and Canada stepping up to take more responsibility for their own defence, backed by American power. He stressed the importance of a NATO 3.0, “an Alliance rebooted for the modern age. On that we all agree,” he said. Mr Rutte also highlighted a statement from Allies in the Nuclear Planning Group, demonstrating Allies’ commitment to NATO’s nuclear deterrence. “We will continue to modernise our nuclear capabilities, improve planning, and adapt to ensure our nuclear deterrent remains fit for purpose,” he confirmed. In a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, attended by President Zelenskyy, participants reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and confirmed further pledges of essential support, including through NATO’s PURL initiative. Link was copied to clipboard 1 / 1 18 Jun 2026 Brussels, Belgium

NATO says ministers made progress before Ankara Summit

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