If this was the true concern of the Kremlin, why would they do the one thing that strengthens and enhances NATO in ways unthinkable even 6 months ago.
The war in Ukraine is the rebirth of NATO;
- Finland and Sweden on the fast path to joining.
- Every member country making good on defense spending and more.
- Eastern member countries inviting ever larger standing forces.
- Renewed interest in Nuclear deterrents.
- Reinforcement of other "NATO like" alliances like AUKUS.
If the true reason for the war was US-NATO provocation, the it was the most successful, long term, multi-administration conspiracy of the century.
Or - the Kremlin could simply be lying and have other ulterior motives for war (territory, hydrocarbons, empire, legacy, etc).
They are either stupid, or liars.
Fyiw - the only real "winners" here seem to be China.
The war in Ukraine is the rebirth of NATO;
- Finland and Sweden on the fast path to joining. - Every member country making good on defense spending and more. - Eastern member countries inviting ever larger standing forces. - Renewed interest in Nuclear deterrents. - Reinforcement of other "NATO like" alliances like AUKUS.
If the true reason for the war was US-NATO provocation, the it was the most successful, long term, multi-administration conspiracy of the century.
Or - the Kremlin could simply be lying and have other ulterior motives for war (territory, hydrocarbons, empire, legacy, etc).
They are either stupid, or liars.
Fyiw - the only real "winners" here seem to be China.