NATO leaders to gather in Vilnius to discuss Ukraine, Sweden, and defense spending

The summit will be held under the shadow of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and will be protected by Patriot missile batteries, fighter jets, and forces from 17 nations.

One of the most pressing issues on the agenda will be Ukraine's NATO membership. Ukraine has been seeking membership in the alliance since 2008, but its membership has been blocked by Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to urge NATO leaders to grant Ukraine membership once the war with Russia ends. However, some NATO members, such as the United States and Germany, are concerned that granting Ukraine membership could lead to a direct conflict with Russia.

Another issue on the agenda is Türkiye's opposition to Sweden joining NATO. Türkiye has accused Sweden of not doing enough to combat PKK members.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has said that Sweden is committed to fighting terrorism, and that the country has already taken steps to address Türkiye's concerns. However, it remains to be seen whether Türkiye will lift its veto on Sweden's membership.

The summit is also expected to focus on defense spending. NATO members have pledged to allocate at least 2% of their national GDP to defense spending, but only 11 out of 31 members currently meet this target.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that he expects NATO leaders to agree to increase defense spending at the summit. He has also said that NATO will adopt its first comprehensive military plans since the Cold War, outlining detailed tasks and force requirements to defend against potential Russian aggression.

In addition to Ukraine, Sweden, and defense spending, NATO leaders will also discuss the alliance's role in countering China. The leaders will meet with counterparts from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to discuss how NATO can work with these countries to address China's growing military power and economic influence.

The Vilnius summit is taking place at a critical time for NATO. The war in Ukraine has raised concerns about Russia's intentions, and the alliance is looking to strengthen its defenses and deter further aggression. The summit is also an opportunity for NATO to reaffirm its commitment to its members and its role in global security. (ILKHA)