Nato summit: Zelensky urges Nato leaders to ‘drop all limitations’ on striking military targets in Russia

Nato – the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – was formed in 1949 by 12 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and France.

Its founding treaty was signed in Washington DC, and leaders of Nato countries marked the 75th anniversary on the first day of the summit, which is taking place between 9-11 July.

Nato’s primary purpose was to block expansion in Europe by the Soviet Union – a group of communist republics which included Russia.

Members agree that if one of them is attacked, the others should help defend it.

Nato does not have an army of its own but member countries can take collective military action in response to crises.

Nato has 32 members across Europe and North America, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

Ukraine is not currently a member but Ukraine’s President Zelensky has asked for his country to be admitted as soon as possible after its war with Russia ends.