NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the press before the NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels, emphasizing discussions on reinforcing support for Ukraine and strengthening deterrence and defense efforts. Stoltenberg highlighted the historic increase in defense investments, with an 11% rise in spending across Europe and Canada last year. He urged continued progress toward the 2% GDP defense spending target. Stoltenberg commended NATO Allies for signing contracts worth 10 billion euros for defense orders in the past month. He welcomed the EU’s allocation of 50 billion euros to Ukraine, emphasizing the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine for collective security. The NATO Secretary General also discussed ongoing efforts to enhance defense capabilities, modernize logistics, and reinforce air and missile defense.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
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