Nobody can be happy about how the security situation in Europe has changed.
Before February 24, a major war was considered unlikely.
Despite all the differences, working relations existed between the West and Russia.
At least beyond the Donbass, Ukraine lived in peace.
Putin destroyed all of that, and he now presents it as a major campaign against the prevailing world order.
For a country that has rightly been described as a nuclear weapons gas station, that is a bold claim.
This week's meetings of the G7 and NATO show that he will not get away with it easily.
A counterbalance is created
In international politics there are a few reliable laws.
This includes a military threat creating a counterpoise.
This is exactly what is happening in Europe now.
NATO is strengthening its eastern flank, and for the first time even American soldiers are stationed permanently in Poland.
The new strategic concept approved by the heads of state and government in Madrid realigns the alliance to deter Russia.
It will extend its protective shield to northern Europe, which will also make this strategically important region safer from Putin.
Ukraine, which has paid a heavy price for not being protected by the Alliance, continues to receive support.
It's hard to believe that Putin accepted all this with his eyes wide open, let alone the economic consequences of the war for Russia.
Apparently he's not the strategist he thinks he is.
He can still win the war in Ukraine.
But he doesn't have a good hand against NATO, which he wanted to push back after all.
It is more united than ever, even Erdogan no longer bothers the realignment of the alliance.
Europe has long tried to create security with Putin.
Now, unfortunately, it has to be guaranteed against him.
That will still require a lot of strength, not just military ones.