NATO member states, including the United States, reaffirmed on Wednesday their unwavering commitment to the collective defense clause stipulated in Article 5 of the alliance's treaty, according to the text of the Ankara summit declaration.
The declaration issued on the second and final day of the NATO summit states that “an attack on any ally is an attack on all.” It adds, “Our unity, solidarity, and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity.”
This announcement comes hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed his displeasure with the member states of the alliance over several issues, most notably the US desire to acquire the Greenland region, and the lack of contribution to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
NATO has only invoked Article 5, a cornerstone of the alliance established in 1949, once, in solidarity with the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Regarding Ukraine, the 32 member states of the alliance renewed their “steadfast support” for Kyiv in the face of the Russian invasion that began in 2022.
They saw that Ukraine contributes “to transatlantic security and defends its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
On the other hand, a source familiar with the talks said that US President Donald Trump had informed NATO of his desire to keep the United States as a member.
The source, who requested anonymity, added that Trump also said during the closed-door meeting that the United States was prepared to continue selling weapons to NATO members regardless of how they were used. The source quoted Trump as telling NATO leaders, “We want to stay with you.”
The White House has not yet commented on Trump's remarks during the meeting. The source stated that Trump did not repeat his criticism of Spain or his earlier announcement regarding ending the temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran during the meeting.
The source added that Trump also did not raise the issue of Greenland, which has caused disagreements within the alliance.
Trump had previously ordered a halt to trade with Spain over the issue of defense spending, along with tensions related to the Iran war.
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