from 2017 resonates with me (see link)...especially with what we've learned about Putin and Trump in the intervening years...btw, I have no idea how credible the author, Molly McKew, is but she seems to have enough of the education, experience and language skills to join in the conversation...that being said, here are some of my thoughts ...beyond the specific issue of NATO expansion/contraction which I also welcome your comments on...
>IMO Putin...being brought up in the Soviet system as a KGB Colonel...seems to have taken the demise of the USSR 'personally' and along with a number of others, feels "humiliated" and wants to purge that feeling...like it's his only goal in life...consequently...
>Putin blames the USA and is willing do whatever it takes to remove us as an impediment to his obvious desire to promote autocracy and Russian 'hegemony' over Europe.
>Since we (USA) have a domestic and international interest in maintaining democracy, free trade, etc...I fell it is truly in our own interest to make sure that he is not successful.
>To that end, building as strong an opposition as possible to Vlad should be an objective of ours...meaning a united front by ALL European nations that seek democracy...and IF Ukraine wants "in", we should encourage that move...but it needs to be Ukraine's objective.
>From what I've observed, Ukraine has had its fill of Russian influence and - with the exception of their Donbas citizens - very much want to remain free and democratic...so, while it is not tactically feasible to join them in opposing Russia militarily, beyond weapons and technology support, we can and should marshall as much NATO political power as possible...
>To that end, it appears that Blinken got Germany's new Chancellor to 'nod' in agreement (sorry, couldn't resist ;-)) to the threat of cancelling Nord Stream 2, if Putin invaded Ukraine...that's the kind of NATO strength that could make a difference...
Again, very interested in hearing your thoughts on NATO...
Link: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/putins-real-long-game-214589/