The New Front Line: Russia and NATO

NATO defence ministers today will unpick a taboo. In 1997 the alliance promised Russia not to place “substantial” forces in the new member states, once part of the Kremlin’s European empire. But, Western officials point out, that pledge was dependent on relations remaining friendly—and Russia’s behaviour in Ukraine and its menacing manoeuvres in the Baltics have rendered it void. Now NATO is mulling over American plans to position tanks and other heavy weaponry in the Baltics and elsewhere, plus the creation of a new rapid-response force. Neither initiative would alone repel a full-scale Russian assault. But both would help if the Kremlin attempted another bout of tricksy “hybrid warfare” in, say, Latvia. They also conspicuously affirm the alliance’s commitment to mutual self-defence. Mr Putin, who frequently complains about NATO’s alleged duplicity, will doubtless squeal once more. He has only himself to blame.