NATO’S biggest test

Re: Putin’s dangerous brinkmanship, Matt Gurney, Jan. 20

Ukraine is a test of the resolve of the West to defend freedom and democracy. If Russia is allowed to invade Ukraine, it will be a green light for President Vladimir Putin to reoccupy other parts of the former Soviet Union. Next to be occupied could be the NATO countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Would NATO go to war against Russia to defend these small Baltic countries which together have a combined population of only six million? What would the United States do? America has just lost another war, lost the trust of its allies, is internally deeply divided, is hugely financially in debt to China, and has a weak, inept president. It is unable to defend democracy, at home or abroad.

In the Baltics, NATO may yet face its biggest challenge as a defence alliance. Reiner Jaakson, Oakville, Ont.