RayC

It might have been for the Romanovs, but it wasn't for the vast majority of ordinary Russians.

If James Baker did utter those words then it was not reflective of the US (and European) strategy at the time https://on.ft.com/3ZgBehl

Zelensky won a free and fair election, so how exactly is he, "an illegitimate puppet of the West"? Moreover, given that Zelensky's opponent in the final ballot, Poroshenko, was the incumbent president and was pro-EU and pro-NATO in his outlook, why would the West want to replace him with an unknown quantity?

Which has absolutely nothing to do with the current conflict in Eastern Europe.

I read the article a couple of times and still do not understand what is his point. Most (all?) current European nation-states are relatively modern artificial constructs (post-18th century) and are an amalgam of the lands of various ancient tribes. Should we doubt their legitimacy? The question in your final sentence is much easier to understand and answer, and that answer is 'No'.

Over two decades experience of what? Getting angry when someone has the nerve to disagree with one of your pronouncements? Misplaced, self-important arrogance doesn't cut it with me. Maybe you should take your own advice re deep breaths and posting.

Not not that either. And you?

No. Are you?

Thanks. I wasn't aware of that. Imo Trump is ill-advised and/or ill-informed on this matter.

Where did that one come from? And what has it got to do with anything? I've never mentioned anything about the sources of your income. Semantics. Once again, you cannot possibly know that for a fact. It's good. You're right. It's speculation.

No but you appear to be. As I explained the location is irrelevant to my questions. No. I invented questions, not excuses, which you are unable and/or unwilling to answer. It is hypothetical by definition. Your proposed solution is not currently operational. Meanwhile, my questions about your proposed solution go unanswered. Because you wish something to be true does not make it true.

Are you are a lawyer specialising in constitutional or 'security' law? If so, then your replies might carry a bit more weight than the opinions of a layman like myself. However, even if that is the case, you cannot possibly know that any legal challenge is doomed to fail. As I said, it is pure speculation.

The location of the camps is totally irrelevant to my questions Your solution is a hypothetical so, of course, my questions about it are hypothetical.

I have no doubt that some more money will be spent but I very much doubt whether that will equate to 5% of GDP for each and every NATO member, although I suppose an accounting sleight of hand might make it appear so.

That is pure speculation. You cannot possibly know for a fact.