The 36th NATO Summit has begun at the Presidential Complex in Türkiye's capital Ankara, bringing together US President Donald Trump, the leaders of 31 allied and partner countries, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for two days of high-level talks.

Hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the summit is expected to focus on some of the alliance's most pressing global and regional security challenges, The Caspian Post reports via TRT Haber.

A key priority will be reviewing last year's Hague commitments, including the goal for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Leaders are also expected to discuss continued military support for Ukraine, with particular attention to Kyiv's urgent need for additional air defense systems as Russia's attacks continue.

The meeting is widely viewed as a historic gathering due to its timing and far-reaching agenda. Analysts say the summit could shape NATO's future at a time of growing uncertainty over the long-term US role in European security and heightened security concerns across the continent.

The summit is also expected to further strengthen Türkiye's position within NATO, highlighting Ankara's growing influence inside the alliance it has been a member of since 1952.