German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that Russia's president understands only the language of force and that Tuesday's "historic" Nato summit in The Hague will aim to ensure peace in Europe for generations to come.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised President Donald Trump for making Europe “pay in a BIG way,” as allied leaders gathered in the Netherlands on Tuesday for a historic summit that could unite them around a new defense spending pledge or widen divisions among the 32 member countries.

Despite tensions over Iran and disagreements over Ukraine, European members of NATO think they can deliver enough of what President Trump wants at the summit to keep him committed to the alliance and European security.