NATO approves €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2026

NATO allies have formally approved €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026, reaffirming their long-term commitment to supporting Kyiv as the alliance concluded its summit in Ankara with an unusually brief final declaration.

The six-point communiqué, published on NATO's official website, confirms that member states pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027.

In addition to addressing support for Ukraine, the declaration calls on Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened regional tensions.

The Ankara communiqué is the shortest NATO summit declaration issued in at least the past 25 years. Unlike previous summit statements, which typically span several pages and include dozens of paragraphs, the final document consists of only six points.

The declaration also marks the first time that NATO leaders have not specified the date or venue of the alliance's next summit.

Earlier reports indicated that the 2027 NATO summit in Albania, previously announced by alliance leaders, could be at risk due to Tirana's difficulties in increasing defence spending in line with the alliance's long-term objectives.

By Vafa Guliyeva