Reminder: Russia is engaged in a massive years-long campaign to undermine Western power, alliances and democracy by using our openness as societies and the fears and ignorance of our voters and the greed and lack of principles of many of our political leaders against us.
To uncover it and to combat it will require active cooperation among the governments of the West (the alliance Trump wants to undermine), the media (the press Trump wants to discredit & silence), and the voters (the masses Trump lies to and seeks to mislead.).
This is one of the great national security challenges of our time. It is a far greater threat than terrorism or even rogue states. It is an effort to destroy the foundations of the international community. As of now, it is unclear which side will ultimately win this struggle.
I should add that for the above reasons this is precisely not the time to re-invite Russia to the G7 nor is it the time to follow through on initiatives made to placate Russia or serve Russian interests by politicians or political parties that may have been compromised.
It is a time for investigation, cooperation among Western intelligence and law enforcement agencies with the objective of off-setting the influence of the Russians and their agents on the rule of law in our countries, and and for ensuring the Russian efforts are brought to light.
Only after that is done and fully done should we determine the course of action to ensure such initiatives are unsuccessful in the future and to punish those who are responsible, recognizing their role in this information war that is so shaping this moment in history.
