If I remember correctly Ronald, a great deal of those so called European " puppets" told the US to get stuffed in Iraqi. Sort of puts a dent in your argument.
As for bases, well they exist because they governments in those countries fear Russia and any other country like it. The individual countries don't have the capacity or either the will to build up defense forces to protect against potential belligerent states like Russia.
And why would you, when you can be part of a organization with collective defense, and as such don't need to spend as much.
rh200, self determination, does that choice apply to the people of eastern Ukraine or just Kiev and the western parts of the country?
Certainly does, glad we are in agreement for an intimidate cease fire, UN mandate with third party troops to stabilize the area, allow free press and have a referendum. The referendum will of course have to have people who where on the roll before the current conflict.
Talking about self determination, how about the choice of the British people over EU membership and NATO membership?! Sadly you do not always get to chose your nations destiny.
Of course they do, if it means that much to them, vote for parties that will pull them out. Its all in the voting and balance of whats important., I know this democrocy thing is not very intuative to you sitting in Moscow.
NATO is not a defensive organisation, just look at its role in Libya. It is a dangerous and provocative organisation.
Don't blame NATO for political decisions, thats all NATO acts from. But that said, least their not sending their soldiers in to die like criminals and in secret.