NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels to review progress since the 2025 Hague Summit and prepare for the Alliance’s next summit in Ankara. Secretary General Mark Rutte said ministers focused on defence investment, industrial production, hybrid threats and continued support for Ukraine.
Rutte pointed to Russia’s war against Ukraine, airspace violations and cyber activity as evidence of the security challenges facing NATO. Ministers discussed the path toward the 5 percent of GDP defence and security-related investment target agreed by Allies, with support to Ukraine counting toward that broader commitment.
The meeting also included a NATO-Ukraine Council session attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Sybiha briefed Allies on battlefield developments and urgent requirements, while NATO reviewed new commitments under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List.
Ministers concluded that higher spending must translate into stronger forces, modern equipment, greater production and improved readiness. NATO also reiterated that its support for Ukraine is connected directly to the long-term security of the Alliance.