NATO foreign ministers gathered at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels to discuss the evolving dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, expanded defense commitments, and heightened tensions in the Black Sea. The meeting was marked by sharp warnings to Moscow, new pledges of military support for Kyiv, and questions raised by the unexpected absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

NATO Meets Amid Rising Tensions in the Black Sea

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the meeting, where he held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Black Sea security — a discussion made more urgent by a recent surge of Ukrainian attacks on Russia-linked vessels operating near Turkish waters.

Ministers also reviewed preparations for the upcoming July Summit in Ankara and ongoing support mechanisms for Ukraine as Russia intensifies its offensives.

Rubio’s Absence Sparks European Unease

The most unusual development of the day was the non-attendance of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. European diplomats privately expressed concern, noting that a U.S. secretary of state skipping a major NATO ministerial meeting is “extremely rare.”

Rubio’s absence came shortly after criticism that President Donald Trump’s peace strategy for Ukraine appeared “pro-Russia” to some observers. The U.S. delegation was instead led by Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau.

“Putin Is Wrong — We Are Not Going Anywhere”

In his opening remarks, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accused Russia of continuously testing the Alliance’s deterrence posture.

He cited recent examples:

• Intrusions into allied airspace by Russian jets and UAVs
• Sabotage attempts targeting allied infrastructure
• Spy ships mapping underwater cables and pipelines

“These actions are reckless and dangerous,” Rutte said, adding:
“Putin believes he can outlast us — but he is wrong. We are not going anywhere.”

Alliance Pushes for a 5% Defense Spending Commitment

Rutte emphasized that the central focus of the Brussels meeting was long-term defense readiness. He stated that ministers discussed the roadmap for fulfilling the commitment made at the The Hague Summit to allocate 5% of annual GDP to defense — with 3.5% earmarked for core military capabilities.

He stressed that deterrence depends not only on troop numbers but also on a robust defense-industrial base. He highlighted Türkiye’s strategic role, noting:

More than 3,000 companies in Türkiye’s defense industry form a crucial part of the output needed for NATO deterrence.

New Military Pledges Push Ukraine Support Past $4 Billion

Rutte welcomed what he called President Trump’s “continued efforts for a fair and lasting peace,” adding that negotiations must continue while military support for Ukraine remains essential.

New commitments from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland expanded the Alliance’s contributions under Ukraine’s Priority Ukrainian Requirements List (PURL) program.
With Australia and New Zealand also contributing, total commitments now exceed $4 billion, with the goal of reaching $5 billion by year-end.

A Warning to Moscow: Pressure Will Intensify

Rutte repeated his message to Putin:

Our support for Ukraine is strengthening, and our pressure on Russia is increasing.

He referenced ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s “shadow fleet” and other measures designed to create strategic dilemmas for the Kremlin.

Rutte concluded:

NATO is a defensive alliance — but we are ready and willing to do what is necessary to protect our territory and our one billion citizens.

Europe Returns to Conscription Debates

In response to Anadolu Agency’s question on renewed conscription policies across Europe, Rutte attributed the shift directly to Russia’s military expansion.

He noted:

• Russia spends nearly 40% of its annual budget — roughly $200 billion — on defense.
• Due to economic structure differences, this gives Russia disproportionate purchasing power.
• Moscow currently allocates about 10% of its GDP to defense.

“This rapid military build-up means we must respond,” Rutte said. “That includes the 5% defense spending commitment and ensuring our industries — like Türkiye’s — can deliver the necessary output. But every nation will make its own sovereign decisions.”