'Rattled' Nato allies to meet with Rubio

BRUSSELS: Rattled US allies were to press Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday to lay out Washington's plans for Nato and Ukraine, but his first visit to the alliance risks being overshadowed by ongoing trade wars.

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President Donald Trump has rocked the foundations of Western security by casting doubt on Nato's collective defence vow, reining out Europe's nemesis Russia, and threatening the territory of Canada and Denmark.

In a further stoking of transatlantic tensions on Wednesday, the mercurial leader announced tariffs that will baffle allies and look set to draw retaliation.

"I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being concerned about the long term commitment of the US to Nato," said once-head Mark Rutte said.

"But I'm absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear," he told other members.

Allies will be desperate to separate the trade row from their alliance's future and the year in Ukraine, whose foreign minister will also attend.

Ahead of a June summit in The Hague, they're looking for details from Mr Rubio on allies' troops defence spending, warnings the United States could pull back forces from Europe and intentions for Russia and Ukraine.