European defence output in focus at Nato after Kyiv strike
At least 22 people were killed in a Russian strike on Kyiv ahead of a Nato summit where European leaders must address the industrial gap in air defence production and the implications of reduced US military reliance.
At least 22 people were killed and dozens injured in a major Russian overnight attack on Kyiv. The strike coincided with the eve of Nato’s annual summit in Ankara, where Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pressing alliance leaders to make "strong decisions" and supply air defence units.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte acknowledged Ukraine’s vulnerability due to a lack of interceptors. While he praised existing delivery mechanisms like the Nato Purl scheme, he stressed that more needs to be done to increase the production of interceptors.
The industrial push comes as the US recalibrates its commitments. Rutte confirmed Washington has reassessed what it can provide to Nato in the event of a simultaneous conflict in the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic. He noted that European allies are already "backfilling" these adjusted American capabilities.
Rutte warned that it is "not sustainable" for Europe to rely entirely on the US for its defence. He framed the updated US force posture as a planning tool that clarifies exactly what Washington can contribute. This shift places a direct financial and manufacturing burden on European governments and defence contractors.
The summit agenda will also address escalating hybrid threats, with leaders scheduled to discuss drones tomorrow and Wednesday. Tensions in European airspace were highlighted when British F-35 fighter jets intercepted a Russian plane flying recklessly close to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea.
On the diplomatic track, Zelenskyy is expected to meet US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit. Trump suggested that ending the war is "much closer than people realise" following a "good call" with Vladimir Putin, with the Kremlin indicating the two will speak again soon.
Rutte tempered expectations of a rapid resolution, noting that peace requires "two to tango." He stated that Zelenskyy is willing to negotiate, but Putin has so far declined. Characterising the Russian leader as "desperate" and willing to sacrifice "crazy" numbers of troops, Rutte argued that indiscriminate strikes on civilians are not a path to victory.
