Get the latest news and updates from Dawn
BRUSSELS: Nato leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are set to affirm an “ironclad commitment” to collective defence under the alliance’s Article 5 pact at a summit in Ankara next week, according to a text approved by ambassadors on Friday.
Nato members are also set to pledge 70 billion ($80bn) in military assistance to Ukraine for this year and “at least equivalent levels” of support next year, according to the declaration, which still needs final approval from the leaders at the summit.
“We ... have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond. An attack on one is an attack on all,” says the declaration for the summit, which takes place on July 7 and 8. Trump has frequently railed against Nato and its members, accusing them of not spending enough on defence and relying on the United States to protect Europe.
After clashing with European leaders over the war against Iran, Trump cast doubt on the US commitment to Nato’s mutual defence pact and even said he was considering quitting the alliance.
