Ukraine, Netherlands ink defense deal as NATO summit opens in Ankara

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten signed a defense cooperation agreement in Ankara on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 36th NATO summit, according to an Anadolu correspondent. The two leaders formalized the deal during the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum at the ATO Congresium as Zelenskyy pursued a series of bilateral meetings with Allied officials.

Talks with Canadian, Finnish leaders

Aside from Jetten, Zelenskyy held separate talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Carney's office stated that the two leaders discussed developments on the ground and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that Carney reaffirmed Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine.

The Canadian prime minister also emphasized strengthening defense industrial partnerships, including co-developing drones, and reiterated support for Ukraine's reconstruction using Canadian expertise in energy and infrastructure, according to the statement.

NATO chief addresses missile threats

Zelenskyy also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara to discuss protection from ballistic missile threats and urgent deliveries of air defense missiles. "A separate part of our discussion focused on additional contributions from Allied countries to the PURL initiative and efforts to establish an Anti-Ballistic Coalition," Zelenskyy said on X.

"We also covered joint weapons production, as well as strengthening defense cooperation between Ukraine and NATO countries," he added. "Right now, it is critically important that every channel supporting our air defense – both bilateral and multilateral – operate at full capacity."

The Ukrainian president arrived in Ankara earlier on Tuesday and wrote on X that "important work" lies ahead and that they expect a "strong and productive" summit. "Decisions are needed now that will provide greater protection for our people, more capabilities for our defense, and even stronger security cooperation between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States," he said, noting that nearly 20 bilateral meetings are planned during the summit.