Ukraine experts: Ankara summit could be a turning point

NATO's summit, beginning July 7 in Ankara, aims to translate promises into concrete actions, with a key focus on boosting arms production and ensuring Ukraine's long-term military support. The alliance is also discussing joint procurement and implementing increased defense spending plans.

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The most important thing is that the commitment to provide military aid to Ukraine is firmly established and that we can rely on it in the coming years.

For Ukraine, the crucial aspect is not just the volume of aid but also the assurance of multi-year stability. The ongoing Russian missile attacks highlight the urgent need for Patriot air defense systems and missiles, with Kyiv also seeking licenses for their production in Europe and potentially Ukraine. Political messaging, especially following a potential meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, is also anticipated.

Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada foreign policy committee, stated that the primary expectation is increased military assistance. "The most important thing is that the commitment to provide military aid to Ukraine is firmly established and that we can rely on it in the coming years," he told Postimees. He stressed the need for Patriot missiles to protect civilians and infrastructure, and for production licenses.

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We need Patriot system missiles to protect civilians, cities, and critical infrastructure. Secondly, it is important to obtain a license for the production of Patriot systems in European countries and, if possible, in Ukraine.

Politically, Ukraine hopes the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy will address how to compel Putin to end the aggression and establish a ceasefire. Merezhko expressed optimism that Trump's view of Ukraine has shifted, believing Trump now sees Russia is losing and cannot achieve its stated goals. Igal Levin, a war analyst from Ukraine and Israel, emphasized the importance of maintaining arms supplies, noting that while Europeans have the funds, Americans possess many of the necessary weapon systems, making their collaboration vital.

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I hope that Trump's attitude towards Ukraine has changed. He is already convinced that Putin is lying. For example, Putin told him at the Alaska meeting that Russia was supposedly winning. But Trump sees very well that Russia is losing.