NATO has pledged €70 billion (US$80 billion) in assistance for Ukraine's fight against Russia as the two-day summit in Ankara concluded, with US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about a future peace deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined leaders from all 32 member states in the Turkish capital, where he held bilateral meetings and met with Trump. The alliance's closing statement said members "stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
The commitment for 2026 includes military equipment, assistance and training, with members affirming sovereign commitments to sustaining equivalent levels in 2027.
Trump, appearing alongside Zelensky, said Russian President Vladimir Putin is "a difficult character" but added: "I think we've made a lot of progress in the last couple of weeks."
The US president also offered to give Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot missile systems, saying: "We'll give them the right to make Patriots. We'll show them how to do it."
Zelensky expressed gratitude for American support and said: "We know what to do to bring peace."
Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes on Kyiv on Wednesday killed at least three people and wounded 14, while attacks on Kharkiv injured 34. Ukrainian drones struck three Russian oil refineries and pipeline pumping stations.
