"Putin aims to rebuild the Russian Empire, the US should continue to lead NATO"

Russia poses a serious threat to the interests of the United States of America (US), while Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to form an axis with China, Iran and North Korea to overthrow the American-led international order, according to a report on Russia by the McCain Institute.

It emphasizes that "regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Russia will remain a major adversary of the United States."

The report in question also says that peace in Europe and the prevention of Russian armed aggression remain core interests.

“Russia and China are working together to destroy the US-led order, and China has supported Russia’s war in Ukraine. About 80% of Americans perceive Russia as an adversary, 85% view Russia unfavorably, and 86% are concerned about its cooperation with US adversaries in China, Iran, and North Korea. Preventing Putin’s victory in Ukraine will strengthen Washington’s position against this axis of aggressors. Putin’s Russia will remain an adversary of the United States after any resolution of the conflict,” it says.

Beyond Ukraine, Putin will retain both the ability and intent to threaten America's NATO allies with both military invasion and hybrid warfare.

The United States must continue to lead NATO.

“‘Leading from behind’ does not produce security for the American people, but rather its opposite. Just as Europe tried to provide more total assistance to wartime Ukraine than the United States did, so too must Europe do to protect the postwar peace. But Europeans do not have the capacity to do so on their own without continued American leadership and presence. Two world wars that began after the United States disengaged from Europe demonstrate the risk to American security if that were to happen again. Allowing Putin to swallow Ukraine would increase the chances of a larger European war that would draw in American forces. Pulling out of Ukraine would only precipitate a larger conflict that threatened vital American interests. Peace through strength requires a strong NATO alliance led by the United States,” the report says, reports.

/The Geopost.