UK and EU face new role as defenders of the free world

EARLY next month, just five days after UK voters I have been to the polls, world leaders will gather E in Washington DC for a historic Nato summit.

- Lord Ashcroft

The main theme of the three-day gathering on July 9 is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Nato, the most successful and enduring alliance in history.

However, while no one doubts America's general commitment to Nato and its 32 member states, there are growing concerns over US support for Ukraine after 28 months of all-out war with Russia.

These worries were aired even before Donald Trump branded Ukraine's President Zelensky as "the best salesman" for repeatedly securing substantial financial support from the US - aid aid the Republican presidential hopeful suggested would be cut off.

In my role as lead sponsor, I have just attended the threeday Black Sea Security Forum in the Ukrainian port of Odesa, the so-called "pearl of the Black Sea".

During my visit, I was struck by the fact so many informed politicians and military figures from both sides of the Atlantic - now doubt America's commitment not just to Ukraine, but to wider European countries too.

THOSE concerns centre largely on what will happen after the US elections in November when there is every chance Trump will win his second term as president.