Nato chief says Trump remarks could put US and EU armed forces in danger

The Nato chief, Jens Stoltenberg, has said any attack on the western military alliance would be met with a "united and forceful response", after Donald Trump invited Russia to attack member countries that he perceived as not meeting their financial obligations.

- Angelique Chrisafis , Lili Bayer Brussels , Edward Helmore

Stoltenberg said: "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed Nato ally" He said Nato remained "ready and able to defend all allies".

Trump told a campaign rally in South Carolina on Saturday night that he would "encourage" Russia to attack any of the US's Nato allies that he felt were not paying their fair share. The White House described the remarks as "appalling and unhinged".

The ex-president has voiced misgivings about aid to Ukraine as it defends itself from the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022 - as well as to the existence of Nato, the 31-nation alliance which the US has vowed to defend when necessary.

On Saturday, Trump claimed that during an unspecified Nato meeting he told a fellow head of state the US under his rule would not defend any countries who were "delinquent".