In its editorial, the Washington Post praised President Joe Biden's reaction to the outbreak of Russia's war on Ukraine, and said that his rush to strengthen the cohesion of the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the American presence in Europe was the most appropriate response to the war.

The newspaper added that the expansion of NATO to the east was the argument made by Russian President Vladimir Putin to ignite the war against Ukraine, and explained that the alliance agreed at its last summit in the Spanish capital Madrid that Sweden and Finland would join it, as well as the approval of the intensification of the presence of American forces in Europe - including Poland - which is What happens first.


The newspaper said that instead of NATO's decline, as Putin had hoped, the alliance withstood the current developments and strengthened its unprecedented support for Ukraine, as well as the strengthening of inter-member relations, and some of them raised the budget allocated for collective spending.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg surprised some members - the newspaper says - with plans to establish a 300,000-strong rapid intervention force, and the updated "strategic concept" document identified China as a source of concern for the first time, and promised to deal with all the challenges posed by this situation.

And the Washington Post explained that experience has shown that Russia's plans can - at least - be weakened and perhaps thwarted by the resolve of allies led by the United States, and called on President Biden to act on this basis, as well as everyone who comes after him.


biggest threat

After the Madrid summit, NATO leaders declared Russia the biggest threat to the region, and pledged to support Ukraine until it regains full sovereignty.

While Moscow denounced the further expansion of NATO in Europe.

"China is not our adversary, but we must be clear about the serious challenges it poses," Stoltenberg said.

He believed that the alliance's partnership with the European Union had reached unprecedented levels, and said that NATO leaders had taken a decision to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of the alliance.

"We are a defensive entity that does not threaten anyone and is committed to democracy, freedoms and the founding charter of the alliance," the summit statement said.