Europe seeks military independence from U.S. defense support

European leaders are responding to a breakdown in U.S.-European relations, particularly after a recent diplomatic incident involving President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. European officials are increasingly advocating for greater independence from U.S. defense support. Germany's Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its military capabilities. Merz suggested that Europe may need to establish its own defense systems, signaling a shift from reliance on NATO. This move comes amid concerns that U.S. support for Europe is waning. European leaders are now considering how to enhance their military readiness and autonomy, as they face ongoing threats from Russia.