US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with European allies by asserting that the United States, rather than NATO ally Denmark, should control Greenland, while also announcing plans to lift sanctions on Turkey and consider restoring its access to the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Speaking during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, Trump described Greenland as strategically vital to US national security. Repeating his claim that the island faces growing threats from China and Russia, he said it should be under American control instead of Danish administration.
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Trump’s remarks came as NATO leaders gathered for a summit focused on strengthening the alliance’s military capabilities and addressing his long-standing criticism that European members do not spend enough on defence.
In a separate announcement, Trump said the US would remove sanctions imposed on Turkey after Ankara’s 2019 purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system, a move that had resulted in Turkey’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme.
The US President said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth were working to lift the sanctions. He also indicated that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, describing Ankara as a loyal ally.
Erdogan welcomed the announcement and expressed confidence that the United States would eventually approve the sale of the advanced fighter aircraft. The two leaders also highlighted their close personal relationship during the meeting.
However, the proposed move is expected to face resistance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that supplying F-35 jets to Turkey could threaten Israel’s security, while several US lawmakers continue to oppose Turkey’s re-entry into the programme as long as it retains the Russian S-400 missile system. Existing US laws also continue to restrict fighter jet sales under those circumstances.
Meanwhile, NATO used the summit to unveil several major defence procurement initiatives worth billions of dollars. Among the announcements was an agreement for Swedish defence company Saab to supply up to 10 GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft to a 10-nation consortium. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also announced a joint programme involving four countries to acquire up to five Triton surveillance drones, alongside a multinational initiative to purchase Airbus air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft.
On the sidelines of the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeal for Ukraine to join NATO, arguing that the country’s battle-hardened armed forces would significantly strengthen the alliance. He also highlighted Ukraine’s continued military operations against Russian targets and is scheduled to meet Trump in Ankara on Wednesday.
NATO officials maintained that despite Russia’s recent airspace violations and other provocative actions, the alliance has successfully deterred any direct attack on member states while continuing to bolster Europe’s collective defence capabilities.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
