Vladimir Putin has been trying for a long time to divide and weaken Europe and to strengthen the weakened former Soviet Union by regaining lost territory. He is also facing increasing problems within his own country and Ukraine provides a potential opportunity to reestablish his authority and popularity.

Ukraine is central to his ambitions and he was emboldened by the unexpected "accomplice" in the person of the former 45th US president under who cracks began to appear in the ranks of Nato.

Joe Biden's steps to restore unity within Nato became the fly in his ointment. A new resilience has slowly been developing within Nato to stop his ambitions. Boris Johnson also found Ukraine a welcome diversion from his internal problems and he suddenly adopted a strongman position. There is clearly a posturing and testing of wills.

Tensions are on the rise as an invasion is becoming a real possibility. A strong united front within Nato will weigh heavily on Russia's decision to invade or not. The world never needs a war, especially if it potentially involves two superpowers with immense firepower. My take is that Russia will be very hesitant to start a war in the face of the unity within Nato. May common sense and diplomacy prevail.

Dawie Jacobs, Sterrewag, Pretoria