Speaking in Munich last week, America’s vice-president, J.D. Vance, offered a taste of how the home of fine wines, classical architecture and welfare cheques faces humiliation, when he ridiculed Europe as decadent and undemocratic.

Stunned by U.S. outreach to Russia over Ukraine, European leaders are groping for common ground.

European leaders took steps Sunday to answer assertive U.S. efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, as France announced a meeting of continental leaders and Baltic countries called for new steps to strengthen Kyiv's hand in any future talks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asked on Monday why Europe would be invited to join possible talks on a peace settlement in Ukraine if European politicians want the war to carry on.

A leading politician has voiced concern that the US administration might not uphold NATO's Article 5 - the cornerstone of the alliance.

Europe is preparing for changes in US foreign policy under a new administration, particularly on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Washington to urge continued support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fears a settlement favouring Moscow.

With Trump increasingly aligning himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fears are growing that Europe may have to confront its security challenges alone. Tensions escalated after Trump blamed Ukraine for starting the war with Russia,