Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented an unusual farewell gift to leaders attending Wednesday's NATO summit in Ankara. Each leader received a vintage revolver engraved with their name, along with live ammunition, making it clear that the firearm was not intended as a display piece.&nbsp;British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was the first to reveal the gift. He said he and several other leaders were presented with a revolver bearing their names.&nbsp;The firearm was placed inside a red box lined with black fabric. The package also included six live rounds and a note stating that the weapon was exempt from export controls.<h2>NATO summit gift catches leaders off guard</h2>The gift left several officials from NATO member states surprised and created what some described as "insane" situations for security teams responsible for transporting the weapons.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/social-media-ban-for-teens-on-the-cards-pm-modi-praises-australia-s-under-16-social-media-ban-says-we-re-taking-lessons-from-you-1783614717670">Social media ban for teens on the cards? PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 ban, says 'we're taking lessons from you'</a>&nbsp;"An unusual gift from President Erdogan at the NATO summit: a Magnum revolver with ammunition, engraved with my name," Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on X.&nbsp;Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he only became aware of the exact nature of the gift after arriving back in Belgium.&nbsp;"The prime minister was surprised and immediately handed it over to airport police so it could be placed in a secure safe, and the matter was handled in accordance with relevant procedures," &nbsp;AFP reported, citing an official.&nbsp;De Wever's security team also took charge of the revolvers given to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, creating additional security and protocol challenges.&nbsp;Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's revolver has already been placed at the Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government, along with other official state gifts.&nbsp;Images released by the office of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda showed the firearm to be a Gumusay .357 Magnum, a rare revolver produced by Turkish state-owned arms manufacturer MKE during the 1990s.&nbsp;According to reports, Turkey wanted to showcase its defence industry, which has become a major export sector and an important part of Ankara's foreign policy.&nbsp;As per the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey, Turkey was the world's third-largest exporter of small arms between 2019 and 2024. The country exported about USD 3 billion worth of small arms during the period, behind only the United States and Italy.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gifted engraved vintage revolvers with live ammunition to NATO leaders at the Ankara summit, surprising recipients and creating security and protocol challenges.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented an unusual farewell gift to leaders attending Wednesday's NATO summit in Ankara. Each leader received a vintage revolver engraved with their name, along with live ammunition, making it clear that the firearm was not intended as a display piece. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was the first to reveal the gift. He said he and several other leaders were presented with a revolver bearing their names. The firearm was placed inside a red box lined with black fabric. The package also included six live rounds and a note stating that the weapon was exempt from export controls. NATO summit gift catches leaders off guard The gift left several officials from NATO member states surprised and created what some described as "insane" situations for security teams responsible for transporting the weapons. Also Read: Social media ban for teens on the cards? PM Modi praises Australia's under-16 ban, says 'we're taking lessons from you' "An unusual gift from President Erdogan at the NATO summit: a Magnum revolver with ammunition, engraved with my name," Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on X. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he only became aware of the exact nature of the gift after arriving back in Belgium. "The prime minister was surprised and immediately handed it over to airport police so it could be placed in a secure safe, and the matter was handled in accordance with relevant procedures," AFP reported, citing an official. De Wever's security team also took charge of the revolvers given to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, creating additional security and protocol challenges. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's revolver has already been placed at the Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government, along with other official state gifts. Images released by the office of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda showed the firearm to be a Gumusay .357 Magnum, a rare revolver produced by Turkish state-owned arms manufacturer MKE during the 1990s. According to reports, Turkey wanted to showcase its defence industry, which has become a major export sector and an important part of Ankara's foreign policy. As per the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey, Turkey was the world's third-largest exporter of small arms between 2019 and 2024. The country exported about USD 3 billion worth of small arms during the period, behind only the United States and Italy.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gifted engraved vintage revolvers with live ammunition to NATO leaders at the Ankara summit, surprising recipients and creating security and protocol challenges.

Vintage gun, live ammo: Erdogan's 'unusual' gift to NATO leaders creates security headache

NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/school-shooting-in-bavaria-germany-injures-four-1783513206253">Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree</a>&nbsp;The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027.


NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads. Also Read: Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027. &nbsp;

Hormuz navigation, collective defence, support for Ukraine: Key takeaways from NATO's Ankara declaration

Russia on Tuesday said that it is following the NATO summit in Ankara closely, suggesting that it remains of “great interest” to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hinted that the series of “confrontational” statements about Russia on the build-up to the summit is not helpful to a potential peace between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;"This is an event that ​is of great interest, including to us. Of course, we will be monitoring all the news and information coming out of ​Ankara," said Peskov. &nbsp;“To ⁠our regret, these were not statements about constructive engagement and dialogue, but rather statements of a confrontational nature.”NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte has said that &nbsp;Russia is “pouring almost half of its national budget into its war machine,” while China “continues to modernise its armed forces and expand its nuclear capabilities without transparency,” and North Korea is supporting Russia.In Ankara, NATO has announced a plan to invest in anti-drone and surveillance capabilities. The alliance has announced $40bn on anti-drone capabilities. It is also likely to purchase 10 Saab GlobalEye surveillance planes over the US AWACS.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-indonesia-highest-civilian-honour-20-outcomes-visit-1783418442718">PM Modi conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour; 20 key outcomes announced</a>“We must remain vigilant. These countries are increasingly working together, and that should concern us all, because I assure you they do not have our best interests in mind.” He urged for a Transatlantic Defence Industrial Revolution, NATO needs it, and it can be achieved, even though it sounds “dramatic”.Trump on Monday, July 6, said that he will discuss the war in Ukraine at the NATO summit and that the resolution of the war was &nbsp;"getting closer than people realise." Peskov suggested that the US attempt to steer the conflict towards negotiations would succeed. "At the very least, ⁠we, ​as the Russian President has repeatedly ​said, remain open to this."&nbsp;

Russia says it is closely following the NATO summit as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticises the alliance's rhetoric. Trump says Ukraine peace may be closer than expected.

Russia on Tuesday said that it is following the NATO summit in Ankara closely, suggesting that it remains of “great interest” to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hinted that the series of “confrontational” statements about Russia on the build-up to the summit is not helpful to a potential peace between Russia and Ukraine. "This is an event that is of great interest, including to us. Of course, we will be monitoring all the news and information coming out of Ankara," said Peskov. “To ⁠our regret, these were not statements about constructive engagement and dialogue, but rather statements of a confrontational nature.” NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte has said that Russia is “pouring almost half of its national budget into its war machine,” while China “continues to modernise its armed forces and expand its nuclear capabilities without transparency,” and North Korea is supporting Russia. In Ankara, NATO has announced a plan to invest in anti-drone and surveillance capabilities. The alliance has announced $40bn on anti-drone capabilities. It is also likely to purchase 10 Saab GlobalEye surveillance planes over the US AWACS. Also Read: PM Modi conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour; 20 key outcomes announced “We must remain vigilant. These countries are increasingly working together, and that should concern us all, because I assure you they do not have our best interests in mind.” He urged for a Transatlantic Defence Industrial Revolution, NATO needs it, and it can be achieved, even though it sounds “dramatic”. Trump on Monday, July 6, said that he will discuss the war in Ukraine at the NATO summit and that the resolution of the war was "getting closer than people realise." Peskov suggested that the US attempt to steer the conflict towards negotiations would succeed. "At the very least, ⁠we, as the Russian President has repeatedly said, remain open to this."

Russia says it is closely following the NATO summit as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticises the alliance's rhetoric. Trump says Ukraine peace may be closer than expected.

Kremlin says NATO summit is of 'great interest' as alliance unveils new defence plans

NATO leaders are gathering in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 7 and 8 for the alliance's annual summit, where heads of state and government from the 32 member nations are expected to discuss defence spending, support for Ukraine, military production and broader security challenges. The summit, hosted at the Beştepe Presidential Compound, will review progress made since the 2025 summit in The Hague and outline NATO's priorities for the coming year.<h2>July 7 schedule</h2>The opening day begins with doorstep statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 08:00 local time, followed by remarks from allied heads of state and government at 08:15. A formal welcome ceremony involving allied leaders, the NATO Secretary General and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled for 10:45.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-s-damascus-visit-is-a-turning-point-for-post-assad-syria-here-s-why-1783380690621">Macron's Damascus visit is a turning point for post-Assad Syria - Here’s why</a>&nbsp;At 14:00, the NATO Secretary General and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to deliver short remarks. Later in the day, foreign ministers will meet partners from the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, while defence ministers will attend a separate social reception.&nbsp;The evening programme includes a social reception and dinner for heads of state and government and their spouses at 18:30, followed by a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council at foreign ministers' level at 19:45. Defence ministers will then hold a working dinner of the North Atlantic Council at 20:15.&nbsp;<h2>July 8 schedule</h2>The second day will begin with media access before the official programme resumes. An official family photograph of allied leaders is scheduled for 11:00, followed by the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of heads of state and government at 11:15.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-becomes-world-s-most-polluted-city-thanks-to-trump-s-freedom-250-fireworks-1783378802990">Washington becomes world's most polluted city - thanks to Trump's freedom 250 fireworks</a>&nbsp;The summit is expected to conclude with announcements on NATO's future priorities, including defence investment, industrial production and continued support for Ukraine.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara on July 7–8 to review defence spending, support for Ukraine, and industrial production, featuring key working dinners and an official council session.

NATO leaders are gathering in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 7 and 8 for the alliance's annual summit, where heads of state and government from the 32 member nations are expected to discuss defence spending, support for Ukraine, military production and broader security challenges. The summit, hosted at the Beştepe Presidential Compound, will review progress made since the 2025 summit in The Hague and outline NATO's priorities for the coming year. July 7 schedule The opening day begins with doorstep statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 08:00 local time, followed by remarks from allied heads of state and government at 08:15. A formal welcome ceremony involving allied leaders, the NATO Secretary General and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled for 10:45. Also read: Macron's Damascus visit is a turning point for post-Assad Syria - Here’s why At 14:00, the NATO Secretary General and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to deliver short remarks. Later in the day, foreign ministers will meet partners from the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, while defence ministers will attend a separate social reception. The evening programme includes a social reception and dinner for heads of state and government and their spouses at 18:30, followed by a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council at foreign ministers' level at 19:45. Defence ministers will then hold a working dinner of the North Atlantic Council at 20:15. July 8 schedule The second day will begin with media access before the official programme resumes. An official family photograph of allied leaders is scheduled for 11:00, followed by the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of heads of state and government at 11:15. Also read: Washington becomes world's most polluted city - thanks to Trump's freedom 250 fireworks The summit is expected to conclude with announcements on NATO's future priorities, including defence investment, industrial production and continued support for Ukraine.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara on July 7–8 to review defence spending, support for Ukraine, and industrial production, featuring key working dinners and an official council session.

NATO Summit 2026 Schedule: Full agenda for Ankara meeting on July 7-8

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Vintage gun, live ammo: Erdogan's 'unusual' gift to NATO leaders creates security headache

NATO allies reaffirms 'ironclad' unity, urges freedom of navigation in Hormuz

Kremlin says summit is of 'great interest' as NATO unveils new defence plans

NATO Summit 2026 Schedule: Full agenda for Ankara meeting on July 7-8