If Putin is “prepared to sacrifice ordinary Russians in this way, what is he prepared to do to us?” the NATO chief said.

Former Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström said after the Ukraine war, Europe must be ready for further Russian aggression.

The Trump administration sent shockwaves across the Atlantic last week with its new National Security Strategy. The strategy’s dismissal of the threat from Russia and harsh criticisms of Europe and NATO led the German chancellor to describe elements of the strategy as “unacceptable,

The US has given Europe until 2027 to take over the decisive bulk of NATO’s conventional defense capabilities, ranging from intelligence to missiles, Reuters reported on Friday, citing people it didn’t name.

The United States has asked Europe to take over most of Nato’s conventional defence capabilities — including intelligence and missile systems — by 2027, Reuters reported, citing Pentagon officials who briefed diplomats in Washington this week.

U.S. officials reportedly said that they remain unsatisfied with the progress allies are making when it comes to bolstering their own capabilities.

The diplomat questioned whether Europe would be a dynamic economy or just somewhere Americans visit for lovely wines, cheeses and beers

US lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday on a sweeping annual defense bill bolstering European security, in a direct rebuke of President Donald Trump's threats to walk away from the continent and his statements casting doubt on NATO's future.