Expert comment: Nato Summit - what to expect

Dr Alexander Gilder, Associate Professor of International Law and Security at the University of Reading, provides expert comment as the NATO summit begins, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joining for the first time. He said:

On the heightened attacks against Ukraine as the summit starts: “Zelensky in particular will be looking for NATO leaders to adopt a firm response. One that secures current assistance packages and extends or grows some countries offerings. This is part of a wider pattern this year that NATO will need to address, with further large exercises and continued warfighting preparations to show Russia that the organisation is ready for all eventualities.” 

On Sir Kier's arrival: “The Prime Minister will surely be asked about the UK's defence spending and how the party's stance on an "unshakeable commitment to NATO" will be translated into actions. Number 10 have called for more NATO members to meet the spending targets but given the talk of a lack of funds Sir Kier will need to explain to leaders how he intends to sustain that spending.”