NATO alarmed by Trump's decisions and possible US-Russia ties

It is noted that NATO allies are trying to engage President Donald Trump in the Alliance by increasing defense spending. Western diplomats are worried that even if the Alliance is preserved, it risks being weakened.

"We know the direction: less US in the alliance. Our interest is to keep the maximum US in the alliance," a NATO diplomat told AFP.

So far, US officials have insisted that Washington remains committed to NATO. At the same time, the US is making it clear that it may withdraw its forces from Europe and focus on other challenges. Meanwhile, Trump's contacts with Russia have raised concerns that he might side with Moscow.

"The level of optimism is certainly dropping. The US still hasn't taken any concrete decisions, but every day seems to bring another hit against the foundations of the alliance," a second NATO diplomat told AFP.

Trump and NATO

Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from NATO. He criticizes Europe for investing too little in defense. Following Trump's return to the White House, European countries have begun increasing their defense investments.

Western media have also reported that Trump might withdraw US troops from Europe.

Additionally, NBC News wrote that the US administration might abandon its command over NATO forces in Europe. However, British Defense Secretary John Healey later denied this, emphasizing that "America is not withdrawing" from NATO.