NATO reaffirms collective defense, pledges continued support for Ukraine
Ankara, July 8 (SANA)NATO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance’s principle of collective defense and pledged continued military support for Ukraine in the final declaration of the alliance’s summit, which concluded on Wednesday in Ankara.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the declaration stressed that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members, reaffirming the alliance’s unity, solidarity and collective strength.
The statement saidNATOwould continue strengthening its defense capabilities to address what it described as the long-term threat posed by Russia, while also confronting terrorism and other security challenges.
It noted that European NATO members and Canada increased their defense spending by more than $139 billion in 2025 and announced new defense procurement worth more than $50 billion.The allies also pledged to expand defense manufacturing capacity, strengthen cooperation with the defense industry, accelerate innovation and remove barriers to defense trade among member states.
NATO leaders also committed to continued investment in military capabilities, including long-range precision strike systems, air and missile defense, unmanned systems, advanced technologies, intelligence capabilities and a shared AI-powered military digital infrastructure.
On Ukraine, the alliance reaffirmed its support for Kyiv, announcing plans to provide 70 billion euros ($82.1 billion) in military assistance and training programs in 2026 while seeking to maintain a similar level of support in 2027. The declaration also welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide multi-year funding for Ukraine.
Regarding Iran, NATO reiterated its opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons and called for safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The declaration added that the alliance will continue adapting to evolving global security challenges and hybrid threats in line with its defense priorities.