Faced by a menacing Russia and unreliable United States, the EU is pushing a mammoth plan to boost its defences that Brussels says could unlock up to 800 billion euros ($860 billion).

"The time of illusions is now over," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday.

"We need a surge in European defence. And we need it now."

But there are major questions over how the European Union will get anywhere near that eye-watering headline figure.

Even if Europe does put its money where its mouth is -- would it be enough to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin and replace America's military might?

EU countries have upped military spending since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine -- but US President Donald Trump's return has turbocharged the urgency.

Trump has shocked Europe by pulling support for Ukraine and fuelled fears he could impose a peace plan that leaves Moscow emboldened.

Even more unnerving are threats Washington may not stand by its NATO allies and the sense Europe can no longer count on the US protection it has enjoyed for decades.

If the United States withdraws from........

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