Two former Nato chiefs have called for an extraordinary summit soon after Donald Trump’s inauguration to reassure traditional allies that the US will still come to their defence. Putin stresses cooperation in first phone call with president-elect Trump Read moreThey argue it would set a precedent for further expansionism in Russia’s “near-abroad”. “Such a deal would be considered by Russia and President Putin as a political alibi to expand his sphere of influence in what he qualifies as his ‘near abroad’. “I think it’s important to organise a Nato summit very soon after Mr Trump’s inauguration as the new American president,” Rasmussen said. “I’m concerned that President Putin might be emboldened already,” he added.

Source: The Guardian November 16, 2016 07:43 UTC