European leaders, including Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland, say they want to send a strong message of support for Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

Friedrich Merz said the goal is to signal to Russia that Ukraine remains strong, with continued military, economic, and energy-sector support pledged.

The leaders agreed to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and to strengthen European defense spending ahead of the July 7–8 summit attended by 32 nations, including the U.S.

Discussions also included coordination with NATO leadership and preparations for talks involving global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The summit is also seen as an effort to reinforce transatlantic unity and Europe’s collective role in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war.