EditArrests in Ankara ahead of NATO summit as Trump’s convoy appears on streets
In preparation for the high-profile gathering, the Turkish capital has been placed under a strict lockdown
Turkish authorities have detained around 100 people, including academics, journalists, and civil society representatives, in a security crackdown just days before the NATO Summit in the capital.
According to Turkish media outlet Sözcü, those arrested over the weekend include Buse Soyutlu, international news editor at T24, and Ceren Erdoğdu, editor at Oda TV. The general editorial director of KAOS GL, Yıldız Tar, was also remanded in custody the previous week.
In preparation for the high-profile gathering, Ankara has been placed under a strict lockdown. Public servants will be on administrative leave from 6 to 12 July, while protocol routes, hotels, and the summit venue have been designated as “red zones.” Security measures include expanded use of Esenboğa Airport, Akıncı Air Base, and Etimesgut Airport for VIP transfers.
Trump’s presence in the spotlight
The streets of Ankara drew attention when U.S. President Donald Trump’s motorcade vehicles, including the armoured limousine known as “The Beast,” were spotted. Citizens photographed the convoy and its security SUVs at a local fuel station. Reports indicate that the vehicles, along with parts of the presidential helicopter, were transported to Ankara by cargo aircraft.
High-stakes bilateral meetings expected
On the margins of the summit, Trump is expected to hold key bilateral talks, including with Syrian transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meetings come amid Trump’s recent peace initiatives in the Middle East and Ukraine, following a major Russian attack on Kyiv that has dampened hopes for a swift resolution.
Summit programme and agenda
The official programme begins on Monday with a press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. On Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will chair a meeting of the Constantinople Cooperation Initiative, involving Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will host an official dinner that evening.
The main leaders’ session is scheduled for Wednesday and is expected to focus on the Russia-Ukraine war, European security, the Strait of Hormuz, and defence spending. A major topic will be the push toward “NATO 3.0” – emphasising stronger military capabilities and European leadership – along with progress toward the 5% of GDP defence spending target agreed at the 2025 Hague summit.
A first-ever Defence Industry Forum will also take place, addressing missile systems and electronic warfare.
The article by EUalive’s partner Politis can be found here.
Caption: NATO banners near the Millet Mosque ahead of the NATO Summit 2026 in Ankara, Turkey, 06 July 2026. The summit will take place on 07–08 July, focusing on strengthening defense industrial production and securing long-term military aid for Ukraine. EPA/FILIP SINGER
Updated: July 7, 2026 - 08:02
