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A drone with explosives crashed at Leipzig/Halle airport, a vital NATO hub, raising fears of Russian sabotage. Intelligence suggests Moscow orchestrated the incident to test NATO defenses, amid a broader drone campaign across Europe. Military experts warn European air defenses are outdated, and NATO's slow response highlights vulnerability.
A drone exploded near Bulgaria's Balkan Stream pipeline, and two more were detected at a German military base, adding to recent incidents across Europe. The sightings have stoked fears that Russia's war in Ukraine could spill over into NATO territory, though Germany has yet to assign blame.
Poland summoned Russia's ambassador after a Russian Kh-101 missile landed in the Lublin region. Warsaw said the incident shows Moscow's arsenal is being depleted by nightly strikes on Ukraine.
Italy's Foreign Minister has rejected the NATO Secretary-General's recent statement on military support, asserting Rome's independent stance. The minister emphasized Italy's commitment to international obligations while reserving the right to its own perspective.
US President Donald Trump has criticized European allies for not supporting the military campaign against Iran. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed that many European countries provided logistical support and allowed the US to use bases, triggering strong condemnation from Iran. The disclosure has intensified transatlantic tensions and sparked political fallout in Italy.
US President Donald Trump again criticised European NATO allies for not backing the US–Israel war on Iran during a White House meeting with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte. Rutte defended the alliance by highlighting the role of European military bases. The meeting came just weeks before the annual NATO summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on June 28 that top European leaders would send a strong signal of support for Ukraine at the NATO summit in Ankara in July. Meeting in Berlin as the European Five (E5), the leaders signed a joint declaration pledging continued substantial support against Russian aggression. The summit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump also seeks to end the war, and European leaders prepare for discussions on defense spending and potential military missions.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US troop deployments in Europe, threatening to cut NATO funding if allies do not meet defense spending targets. He criticized allies for failing to support US operations against Iran, including denying overflight and basing rights. NATO confirmed European allies boosted spending by $90 billion in 2025 but acknowledged immediate reductions in US contributions.
The U.S. plans to sharply reduce fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and warships assigned to NATO in Europe, redeploying assets to other regions. The cuts raise fresh concerns about Washington's military commitment to the alliance, which European officials are trying to interpret positively. The move coincides with President Trump's criticism of NATO spending and his push for allies to raise defense budgets to 3.5% of GDP.
