The American president’s latest remarks embracing Vladimir Putin’s narrative that Ukraine is to blame for the war have compounded the sense of alarm among traditional allies.

European leaders have insisted their governments must have a say in talks between the U.S. and Russia to end the war in Ukraine, as both Moscow and Washington said there was no role for Europe in the negotiations that could shape the future of the continent.

As the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, President Trump is intensifying pressure on European allies to increase defense spending.