As someone who spent a third of a military career in Europe, @POTUS specific comments on NATO Article V, Baltic security, Ukraine sovereignty, the 2030 vision & Russian/Chinese malign actions were welcomed & encouraging. 1/
These - and others - were just some of the issues on the Summit agenda. President Biden’s support is what our transatlantic allies and partners needed to hear. 2/
His bilateral with Erdogan, while not discussed in detail, obviously was firm. Turkey cannot straddle NATO membership with Russia sycophancy. 3/
Defining Putin as “a worthy adversary” was a set up…his added comment that members of the alliance were behind him in standing up to Russia is the real story. Again, a unified alliance effort based on democratic values. 4/
“I verify first, then trust.” For those who have worked with Russia, throughout the ages, this is the only way to deal with Putin. 5/
Europe “knows the character of the American people,” and they were confused due to recent event. In talking with European colleagues, I agree this is a candid and true assessment. This trip is the start of restoring our reputation with allies. 6/
The answer to the question on Ukraine was spot on….and it will piss Putin off. But Ukraine’s joining NATO should be based on that nation’s desire and Kyiv meeting the MAP. 7/
A succinct & transparent NATO press conference. A step toward restoration of sanity in foreign affairs and diplomacy. 8/end.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
