07.07.2026 06:30
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made statements at the Presidential Complex in Ankara ahead of the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara. Highlighting Türkiye's strategic importance for the alliance and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership, Rutte stated that Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine target civilians, indicating this as a sign of Moscow's desperation.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made important statements on the agenda at a press conference held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara ahead of the NATO Summit. Speaking on many issues from the increase in defense spending by Europe and Canada to support for Ukraine, from assessments on Russia and China to Türkiye's role within NATO, Rutte said: "NATO greatly benefits from Türkiye's advanced defense industry. ASELSAN is an example of these."
AN ADDITIONAL 258 BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN DEFENSE SPENDING
Stating that Europe and Canada have significantly increased their defense spending recently, Rutte said investments must continue to strengthen the alliance's deterrence.
Highlighting that Europe and Canada have increased their core defense spending by 20 percent in the last year, Rutte said, "When we look at 2025 and 2026, it is possible to talk about an additional 258 billion dollar investment. This trend continues. We need more power, more resources, and a much stronger defense industrial base."
"WE MUST TRANSFORM OUR ECONOMIC STRENGTH INTO MILITARY CAPACITY"
Emphasizing the need to compensate for insufficient investments in past years, Rutte said Europe is taking responsibility for a more balanced burden-sharing with the US.
"We need to transform our economic strength into military capacity. We need to make the money work. We must invest in our defense plans, from drones to missiles and air defense systems. Innovation must be at the forefront. We also need to consolidate our fragmented defense industry structure," said Rutte, noting that the NATO Defense Industry Forum will be an important platform in this regard, where billions of dollars worth of contracts will be discussed with new defense projects.
"UKRAINE'S SECURITY IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO OUR SECURITY"
Stating that Russia's attacks on Ukraine continue, Rutte said Ukraine needs support, especially in the area of air defense.
"Russia continues its air strikes on Ukrainian cities. A terrible attack was carried out just last night," said Rutte, adding, "Ukraine's security is very closely linked to our own security. Therefore, all allies must continue their support for Ukraine."
Noting that the Ankara Summit will address the implementation of defense commitments made at the Hague Summit, burden-sharing, and strengthening defense industry cooperation, Rutte stated that Ukraine, the European Union, Indo-Pacific, and Gulf partners will also participate in the summit.
"We represent two-thirds of the world economy. Cooperation is key. We are stronger together with our partners, and we will protect freedom and security together," he said.
TRUMP'S CALLS INCREASED DEFENSE SPENDING
When asked about US President Donald Trump's criticisms of NATO allies, Rutte said he had a productive meeting with Trump in Washington last week.
Stating that Trump's long-standing calls were effective in the increase in defense spending by Europe and Canada, Rutte expressed that European allies and Canada have begun to approach the levels demanded by the US for many years.
Rutte also reported that developments in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz were discussed in the meeting, and that European countries have undertaken joint initiatives regarding the security of maritime trade.
REACTION TO RUSSIA: A SIGN OF DESPERATION
Stating that Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine target civilians, Rutte said this is an indication of Russia's desperation.
Arguing that the Ukrainian army has stopped Russia's advance on the front line and caused serious damage to the Russian economy, Rutte stated that Russia cannot win the war with this method.
Regarding the UK's statements that a Russian military aircraft harassed a NATO warship, Rutte said the UK responded appropriately, describing Russia's behavior as unprofessional and irresponsible.
"WE CANNOT BE NAIVE ABOUT CHINA"
Assessing China's new missile test, Rutte said NATO acts in close cooperation with its Indo-Pacific partners.
Noting that the security environment has become interconnected due to the roles of China, North Korea, and Iran in the Ukraine war, Rutte stated that one cannot be naive about China.
"TÜRKIYE IS ONE OF NATO'S MOST IMPORTANT MEMBERS"
Answering a question about Türkiye's importance to NATO, Rutte said Türkiye has been one of the most important members of the alliance since its founding.
Emphasizing that Türkiye has one of NATO's largest armies, Rutte stated that with its strong and advanced defense industry, strategic geographic location, and leadership, it is critically important for the alliance.
He expressed that Ankara hosting the NATO Summit is the most concrete indicator of this.
"THE NATO OF 3-5 YEARS AGO WAS NOT SUSTAINABLE"
Assessing the new security model, Rutte said drones will be one of the most important agenda items of the summit.
Evaluating the US role in Europe, Rutte said, "We need to say that the NATO of just 3-5 years ago was not sustainable. We need to understand that it is not sustainable for 600 million people living right next to Russia to rely on a country of 350 million people living 8 hours away for protection from the Russians."
Stating that the US will continue to support transatlantic security with both its nuclear umbrella and conventional defense, Rutte expressed that Europe and Canada need to take on more responsibility.
"NATO IS CLOSER THAN EVER"
Asked whether US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statements caused division within NATO, Rutte replied, "No, NATO is closer than ever right now."
Stating that Americans act in close coordination with all allies, Rutte said there are no concerns regarding the force model and defense planning.
"THE US NUCLEAR UMBRELLA IS OUR GREATEST GUARANTEE"
Answering a question about Lithuania's steps regarding nuclear weapons, Rutte stated that this is the decision of the relevant countries themselves.
"The US nuclear umbrella is the greatest guarantee of our security and NATO's independence," said Rutte, adding that the nuclear capabilities of the UK and France are also important for deterrence.
Stating that important results were achieved at the last nuclear planning meeting of defense ministers, Rutte said they were in a good position regarding Finland and Lithuania.
"EVERYONE IS WORKING ON AIR DEFENSE FOR UKRAINE"
Responding to a question about Ukraine's air defense systems, Rutte said that politically, the US is working to fulfill its promises.
Noting that air defense systems in NATO territory are also limited, Rutte stated that more production is needed, saying, "Everyone and all parties are working on this. But I can only appreciate the US for their political support."
"ASELSAN IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT EXAMPLES OF TURKEY'S DEFENSE POWER"
When reminded of his visit to ASELSAN, Rutte evaluated Turkey's defense industry contribution to NATO, using the following statements:
"NATO greatly benefits from Turkey's advanced defense industry. ASELSAN is one example. ASELSAN is just one of 3,000 defense companies, and there are large companies like ASELSAN. There are also medium-sized companies. Turkey already supports many countries with its defense capacity and industry. The Belgian delegation came, the Polish leader came. We know that it works closely with many NATO countries, with many EU member and non-member countries, as well as with the USA. You also have many investments in the defense industry in the USA. This is really important. What we need is to increase cooperation across the alliance as much as possible. We need to spread our cooperation across our entire geography."
"OUR AIM IS TO PROTECT NATO TERRITORY AGAINST ALL THREATS"
Responding to a question about past sanctions imposed on Turkey by some NATO allies, Rutte said it is natural for political differences to occur within NATO from time to time.
"I would like perfect cooperation across the alliance on both sides of the Atlantic, without any limits, in terms of defense industry output among our 32 allies," said Rutte, stating that such disagreements are resolved behind the scenes, not in public.
Rutte concluded his remarks by saying, "We have only one goal; that is to protect NATO territory against Russia, terrorism, and all threats."