Germans doubt that President Trump’s America would defend them in the event of an attack

More Germans want to strengthen ties with Russia and China than with Britain and the US, according to a poll released days before a Nato summit in Hertfordshire.

A senior French security official warned yesterday that Nato was in political crisis amid divisions over its strategy on Russia and President Trump’s hostile rhetoric towards Europe.

Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria in defiance of western censure, disputes over military spending and the growing openness to China of member states such as Germany and Hungary have sown discord in Nato’s ranks.

European capitals fear being left isolated and vulnerable as doubts grow about America’s willingness to defend them in the event of attack. Relations between the US and Germany have deteriorated markedly this week with a