As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth summer, there appears to be no end in sight despite US President Donald Trump’s repeated pledges to broker a negotiated settlement.

The issue of Europe not spending enough on defense has irked American policymakers for decades. The criticism peaked during President Donald Trump’s first term and it remains a contentious issue in his second one.

According to the US government’s annual threat assessment, released by its intelligence community this week, Daesh remains the most significant terrorism challenge facing America and its partners.

In recent weeks, much international attention has focused on the war between Russia and Ukraine, and US President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring the fighting to an end.

Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, trade wars between America’s friends and foes —  there has been no shortage of crises around the world. At times, it feels like several months’ worth of geopolitical events have taken place in just the past week alone.

This week has been eventful in Washington regarding America’s European policy, with several leaders visiting to hold high-level meetings.