European leaders pledge stronger role in NATO before Trump-Rutte talks

European leaders from Germany, France, Italy, the U.K., and Poland pledged a stronger European role within NATO and increased support for Ukraine ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara and a Trump-Rutte meeting. Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized ramping up sanctions and military aid for Ukraine, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the need for European defense cooperation.