The NATO summit in Ankara witnessed one of the most unexpected diplomatic twists in recent years. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, radically changed the tone of his remarks regarding Ukraine. If the White House rhetoric had sounded harsh just recently, in Turkey, allies heard words of support that European partners perceived as a significant shift in favor of Kyiv.
Contrast with February events
The atmosphere in Ankara stood in sharp contrast to the events of February 2025. Back then, in the Oval Office, Trump accused Volodymyr Zelenskyy of ingratitude, and the meeting of leaders took place in a tense, almost explosive atmosphere. However, the scenario changed in Turkey. Addressing the Ukrainian leader, the US President admitted: "It is hard to believe, really, from the Oval Office until now... I think we have developed very good relationships".
Trump did not limit himself to restoring diplomatic etiquette. He spoke about Ukraine's future with optimism: "This will be the beginning... And you know, the country has a great future." Such a tone caught even those accustomed to the American leader's pragmatic style off guard.
Patriot License: A Key Decision
Trump's words are backed by concrete actions. The US has agreed to grant Kyiv a license to produce Patriot surface-to-air interceptor missiles. The Financial Times calls this step "an extremely important new defense," especially against the backdrop of intensified Russian bombardments.
Experts see deep strategic meaning in this decision. Aryna Lutsevych, Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, explains: "Over time, the serious threat of ballistic missiles from Russia could be neutralized if Ukraine is granted licenses for Patriot missiles".
According to the expert, Trump's goal is to change Vladimir Putin's calculations. "Trump can take this step to change Putin's calculations that he can destroy Ukraine indefinitely and force him to stop the war. It is actually Ukraine's access to US military potential on a large scale," notes Lutsevych.
Why did Trump change his mind?
NATO diplomats offer a simple explanation for the change in rhetoric. "It is relatively simple. Trump loves winners. And Ukraine has recently started winning," one diplomat told the FT.
According to information obtained by experts, the US President was informed about the current situation on the front lines. Ukraine managed to seize the initiative, and the Russian side, according to Lutsevych, "rejected a favorable agreement and is now experiencing problems due to Ukraine's superiority in medium- and long-range drone technology".
Pressure on the Kremlin and plans for a conversation
Trump does not hide that he is using the current situation to pressure Moscow. He told journalists that he plans to have a conversation with Vladimir Putin, noting that the Russian leader's conditions for ending the war are "changing".
"I think they are probably becoming a little better regarding some things that you like. We have a lot of pressure on President Putin. I don't think he likes what is happening... I don't think he is thrilled with what is happening," Trump said in the presence of Zelenskyy.
Officials familiar with the details of the negotiations confirm that the American leader was "decent and serious," clearly stating the strengthening of support and weighing additional steps to help Kyiv on the battlefield.
Reaction of allies
European leaders expressed satisfaction with the results of the summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted the emotional tone of the meeting: "I was very happy that US President Trump said in his closing speech that 'there is a feeling of love in the air'".
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also supported this assessment, calling the atmosphere of unity defining for the entire meeting. Despite the fact that Trump previously compared the war to a "brawl in the park" where "sometimes you have to let them fight," the outcome of the summit was the strengthening of the front of support for Ukraine.
