Swedish PM says NATO summit in Ankara comes at 'turbulent time'

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Friday described the upcoming NATO summit in Türkiye's capital Ankara as taking place during a "turbulent time" for European security, with the alliance set to focus on increased defense production and continued support for Ukraine.

Ukraine war defines security agenda

Speaking ahead of the July gathering, Kristersson said the security situation in Europe remains defined by the ongoing war in Ukraine. "European security is currently spelled Ukraine," he told public broadcaster SVT, noting that European countries must strengthen their ability to defend themselves amid a sharp rise in defense spending across the continent.

Swedish defense ambitions

The Swedish leader said his country's defense expenditure has more than doubled between 2021 and 2025. "Our ambition is to reach the target of five percent already in 2030," Kristersson said, referring to the government's defense spending goals.

Alliance unity and deterrence

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized the critical timing of the summit, stressing the need for unity within the alliance. "The alliance needs to send a strong signal of unity in long-term support for Ukraine and as an important signal to Russia," she said. The Swedish government said discussions in Ankara will center on boosting defense industrial capacity alongside continued military and financial assistance to Kyiv.