Nato at the crossroads

NOTHING emboldens a bully like Vladimir Putin more than weakness and division among his perceived enemies.

While Britain has remained commendably resolute in warning that a Russian invasion of Ukraine will bring instant and severe reprisals, other Western countries have sent out dangerously mixed messaging.

Germany, ‘addicted’ to Russian gas supplies, and French president Emmanuel Macron, desperate to be seen as a global player, have been guilty of sucking up to Putin in the most egregious way.

They say it’s a search for honourable compromise. But it looks like appeasement.

If Ukraine is sold out, Putin’s belligerent gaze will inevitably turn next to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – all members of both Nato and the EU. Will Germany and France still preach compromise then?

The Western alliance is at a crossroads. And distracted by wokery and green agendas (and in Britain’s case convulsed by Partygate), it is in danger of losing its compass. While we obsess about zero carbon and the historic evils of colonialism, dictatorships like Russia and China (which has designs on Taiwan) are on the march.

As Mr Johnson said after speaking with US President Joe Biden last night, Putin may yet be deterred from invading Ukraine. But only if the West stands firm and united against oppression.

WHEN Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced vital new safety measures for Britain’s ‘smart’ motorways, we assumed he would act immediately. Now we learn it will take up to three years for the promised emergency lay-bys to be completed. The Mail asks: How many more will die on these deadly roads in the intervening time?