I certainly agree that the Baltics, Poland, Ukraine, and other frontline states will likely seek to form an alliance of their own within or alongside NATO. But that doesn't change the fact that for these countries, until now, their reliance on the US has formed the bedrock of their national defense strategies. They will have no choice but to navigate the new Trump administration in whatever ways they can. There have very few good options left, but the fact Trump still seems to care about Russian expansionism means he may be convinced to continue supporting them if they play their cards right.
I see a less optimistic take for the Baltics and Ukraine, at least drawing on the outgoing administration.
https://www.theconcis.com/p/baltics-is-not-your-buffer-nato
I certainly agree that the Baltics, Poland, Ukraine, and other frontline states will likely seek to form an alliance of their own within or alongside NATO. But that doesn't change the fact that for these countries, until now, their reliance on the US has formed the bedrock of their national defense strategies. They will have no choice but to navigate the new Trump administration in whatever ways they can. There have very few good options left, but the fact Trump still seems to care about Russian expansionism means he may be convinced to continue supporting them if they play their cards right.
Hopefully they get those more positive results!