From my perspective Russia's overt brutality and expansionist ideals bear many of the hallmarks of a certain 1930s German government. Back then we thought that Politics and diplomacy would win true as all the words and promises from Hitler were successively ignored or reversed.
NATO is Europe's only hope to stay Putin's restless hand. Understandably, his people are supportive of his plans to return Mother Russia to Pole Position in the world.
Right now though, they're laughing at the West. We're half of what we were 10 years ago in many key areas and, while we contemplate more savings and cuts to Defence, they are expanding; investing in home-grown technology and building their military capability apace.
In my opinion, NATO member politicians need to look themselves squarely in the mirror and ask if Defence of their respective countries is their oft-uttered priority. If it is, we're already behind.