Zelenskyy Urges NATO Allies to Boost Air Defense at Ankara Summit Amid Russian Missile Attacks

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Highlights Trump’s Defense Spending Initiative Ahead of NATO Summit

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker discusses the upcoming NATO Summit in Turkey, which President Donald Trump will attend. Volker emphasizes Trump’s focus on increasing defense spending from allies and underscores the challenges of maintaining unity within the alliance, particularly following recent operations. He also points to NATO’s historic role in deterring aggression and its support for the United States after 9/11.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing the United States and its European allies to supply additional missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv faced a massive Russian assault the night before, when Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 drones.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, later this week.

Zelenskyy is calling for the U.S. and European allies to leave the meeting “with strong decisions in support of” Ukraine’s air‑defense capabilities.

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a press conference following meetings with EU and Irish leaders at Dublin Castle, marking the start of Ireland’s eighth EU presidency on July 1 2026. (Paul Faith / AFP via Getty Images)

“Our forces successfully intercepted drones and cruise missiles today, but Russian ballistic missiles slipped through due to inadequate interceptor supplies. It is essential that the United States and European partners exit the NATO summit in Ankara with decisive measures to bolster our air defenses and protect civilians,” he added.

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U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Bismarck Municipal Airport, North Dakota, on July 1 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“As long as Patriot missiles remain in allies’ stockpiles, Russia will continue targeting residential areas. The United States and Europe possess the capacity to halt this terror,” he asserted.

Zelenskyy’s remarks follow the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

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Large banners on an office complex near the Presidential Palace, the venue for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit, in Ankara, Turkey, on Monday, July 6 2026. (Kerem Uzel/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Reuters reports that President Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to dine with NATO leaders on Tuesday.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

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