Sweden, a nation long synonymous with neutrality, is embarking on record military spending for defense and record spending for Ukraine. The moves reflect wider European doubts this spring that Washington will continue to play its post-World War II role: covering the continent with a Pax Americana.

European NATO allies and Canada on Friday said they are willing to ramp up defense spending but are cool on U.S demands for the size of their military budgets, particularly given President Donald Trump’s readiness to draw closer to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

A growing number of countries bordering Russia are abandoning a long-standing treaty banning the use of land mines, as fears over future attacks grow.

Italy is considering including police and coastguard services in its defence budget so it can point to a quick increase in security spending as its struggles to meet U.S.-led NATO targets, two government sources said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at NATO to reassure the alliance about Trump’s intentions but warn that it can’t rely so heavily on the United States anymore.

Europe must agree a “road map” with the US to shift the burden of defending the continent away from Washington, Finland’s defence minister has said, and at the same time avoid a disjointed switch that Russia could exploit.

United States President Donald Trump remains committed to NATO's Article 5 on mutual defence and will be present at a NATO summit in The Hague in June, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters in Brussels on Friday.

Some Europeans have acknowledged U.S. grievances over trade but wonder whether the Trump administration is serious about finding a middle ground.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European militaries should “step up” as the US tilts away from the region to focus more on threats from Asia. Asked about a media report of potential US war planning with China,