NATO is in turmoil just as the military alliance confronts the deadliest conflict on its doorstep since World War II. At a summit in The Hague this week, European leaders tried to convince President Donald Trump not to withdraw US troops and weaponry from the region or pull the military aid that’s helped Ukraine avoid being overrun by Russian forces.

As a piece of political theatre, the Hague summit at least won over its intended audience: Trump himself. Amid concerns about his commitment to NATO's mutual defence clause, he said the United States stood with its European allies "all the way".

President Donald Trump cast doubt on Tuesday over the United States' commitment to defending its NATO partners, suggesting there were "numerous" definitions to the cornerstone of the alliance's mutual defence pact.