NATO is an alliance of democratic states based on common values – this is a self-declaration by the alliance that is only almost correct.
Because there is a country in their ranks in which the opposition is just as oppressed as in Russia: Turkey.
It has also long been an unreliable partner in terms of security policy.
This is reflected in far-reaching military decisions, such as the acquisition of a Russian air defense system, as well as in a long list of impudence towards allies.
They have also been directed against Germany, for example when Turkey banned parliamentarians from visiting Bundeswehr soldiers in Incirlik five years ago.
Given this history, it is amazing that NATO was caught off guard by Turkey's threat to block Sweden and Finland's admission.
For the Russian regime, this is a small holiday, for the West it is an embarrassment that can turn into something much worse if the dispute is not resolved.
This probably requires morally dubious offers to Turkey.
That's an impertinence, but if the alliance were to paralyze itself or break with Turkey, the price would be even higher.
Both would be a major gain for Moscow.
To support democratic Ukraine, NATO cannot avoid coming to terms with the dictator in its own ranks.