NATO summit tests unity as Trump sends mixed signals

LONDON (AP) — NATO’s deputy commander says next month’s summit in Turkey must show unity and push members to spend more on defense. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, NATO’s deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, spoke to the AP in London ahead of the July 7-8 summit in Ankara. The meeting will test the cohesion of the 77-year-old alliance. Stringer said summits are “highly political events” that demonstrate an organization’s unity. He acknowledged the alliance is in a moment of turbulence. “Are we in one of those moments at the moment? Yes, we are,” he said. **Trump sends conflicting signals** U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed messages about America’s military role in Europe. He has threatened to leave the alliance, pushed to annex Greenland, and praised NATO adversary Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently criticized NATO allies for not allowing use of their bases to attack Iran. He also announced a surprise six-month review of American forces in Europe. In May, Trump said he would send 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland, just weeks after ordering the same number pulled from Europe. Such sudden changes make military planning difficult, said Brig. Gen. Jyri Raitasalo of Finland. “If you change your mind, or change your plan, every week or every month or even every year, you will not get very good results,” he said. **Europe steps up defense spending** European members have largely heeded Trump’s calls to take more responsibility for their defense. They are increasing military spending at an unprecedented rate, with the notable exception of Spain. Stringer said European nations are investing to create a “really credible force.” He cited examples of countries quadrupling production of 155 mm artillery shells. Maj. Gen. Indrek Sirel of Estonia said allies should boost their own militaries while helping Ukraine degrade Russia’s fighting power. “Europe as a whole has a lot to do in order to be credible against Russia,” said Raitasalo. **Uncertainty over U.S. forces** The outcome of Hegseth’s six-month review will determine how fast Europeans must take responsibility for their own security. The U.S. military in Europe said Washington would withdraw some capabilities and expect allies to fill the gaps. Stringer said it would be difficult to replace U.S. long-range strike and surveillance capabilities. But he said he was confident allies could bridge the gap by mixing different capabilities. Only the U.S. operates B1 and B52 bomber aircraft. Stringer said their loss might be offset by firing missiles from ground, sea and smaller aircraft. Sirel said it remains unclear how U.S. forces will be positioned in the Baltic states, which are key for deterring Russia on NATO’s eastern flank. **Britain faces defense challenges** British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned earlier this month, saying the government was unable to commit the resources needed to “defend the country at this time of rising threats.” At last year’s NATO summit, members agreed to spend 3.5% of their gross domestic product on core defense. The U.K. committed to meeting that target by 2035. But Healey said the proposed plan would see spending rise to just 2.68% of GDP in 2030. New Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis said Britain will keep its commitments. Stringer said the U.K. cannot presume that “thought leadership” in NATO is enough and must match it with “forces and resources.” **Credibility at stake** At last year’s summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte kept Trump on board by telling him he would achieve “BIG” success at getting allies to spend more. Stringer said this year’s summit must display “cohesion and unity” while having “honest” conversations and delivering “credible” plans. Raitasalo said the meeting must go beyond “communiques, roadmaps and action plans” and demonstrate deterrence through deeds. He warned that if NATO members don’t translate promises into action, the alliance’s “credibility” is at stake.