NPR News: 07-07-2026 4PM EDT

Lakshmi Singh· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. President Trump is attending the annual NATO summit in Turkey and not on the best terms with other members of the alliance over disagreements about the war with Iran and defense spending. As NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben reports, Russia's more than four-year-old war with Ukraine also tops the agenda.

Danielle Kurtzleben0:20

Before leaving for the summit, President Trump had expressed optimism about bringing the Ukraine war to a close. When asked in Ankara about why he feels that way, Trump didn't elaborate. He added that he cares about ending the war, even though he doesn't consider it very geopolitically important to the US.

Donald Trump· Soundbite0:36

It affects Europe much more. We're there to help Europe, but it doesn't affect the United... We have an ocean in between. But, you know, it's just I can't stand watching what's happening.

Danielle Kurtzleben0:50

On July fourth, the president spoke to the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine. He is scheduled to speak in person to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wednesday afternoon. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News, Ankara.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:02

Pressure is mounting on Maine Democratic Senate nominee Grant Platner to leave the race. NPR's Sage Miller reports Platner has lost his top allies.

Sage Miller1:10

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is the latest that has called on Platner to leave the race for Maine's US Senate seat. The request came after Platner was accused of sexual assault by a former romantic partner. Platner gained Sanders' endorsement early in his campaign for Senate. Platner positioned himself as a progressive, much like Sanders, calling on Medicare