Before invading all of Ukraine in 2022, President Putin demanded the withdrawal of Nato forces from member states that were once part of the Kremlin’s sphere of influence.
Such a move would have left countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland more vulnerable to a Russian attack. Nato itself would also have been weakened, perhaps fatally. Unsurprisingly, the military alliance rejected Putin’s ultimatum.
Four years on, President Trump has given Putin hope that his demands might, at least partially, be met. Furious that Nato members in Europe will not assist the US attack on Iran, Trump said on Wednesday that he was “absolutely” considering withdrawing from the alliance.
