NATO did not stand in the way of Putin in Ukraine, nor was that to be expected given the history of the invasion.
Even the Poles do not want to risk a direct military confrontation with Russia, as evidenced by their failed sleight of hand in supplying fighter jets to Ukraine.
The alliance's reluctance may be popular in member states, but it comes at a price: it sends a signal of weakness and hesitation to Putin.
He could speculate that the Alliance would also withdraw should he act against one of its members.
It has now become obvious that Putin tends to overestimate his military capabilities.
The necessary credibility
If NATO wants to prevent any miscalculations in Moscow, then it cannot avoid sending a visible message of deterrence.
It is not enough for the Alliance to claim that it will defend every inch of Alliance territory.
Russia also needs to see more soldiers who can do this, and there should be as many Americans among them as possible.
In this way, the promise of assistance from Washington gains the necessary credibility.
The strengthening of the eastern flank, which is to be decided at the NATO summit meeting, is the new life insurance of free Europe.
You will have to maintain it for many years, and you should be prepared for that in Germany as well.