**US Ties with Europe Unravel as Trump Embraces Russia**
The relationship between the US and European countries is becoming increasingly strained. The main reason for this is the recent rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
**Nato Under Threat?**
This has led to concerns about Nato, a military alliance set up after World War II to protect Europe from Soviet aggression. The alliance’s key principle is that member countries will come to each other’s defense if attacked (Article 5).
However, with Trump now openly questioning the US commitment to this principle, European leaders are worried about Nato’s future.
**Trump’s Shift**
In recent days, Trump has made comments suggesting that the US may abandon its obligation to defend European allies. He even praised Putin and called Ukraine‘s President Volodymr Zelensky a “dictator”.
“This war is far more important to Europe than it is to us – we have a big, beautiful ocean as separation,” Trump said.
**What Does This Mean?**
The US has been the dominant military power in Nato for decades. But with Trump’s new approach, European countries are now considering developing their own defense capabilities.
Germany’s next leader, Friedrich Merz, has even suggested that his country could achieve independence from the US in terms of security.
**Europe Acts Quickly**
Other European countries are also taking action. Greece and Norway have voiced concerns about Nato’s future, while Denmark announced a significant increase in defense spending last week.
The UK also increased its own defense spending on Tuesday, cutting foreign aid to fund the extra £13bn a year.