There is cause for some optimism, as expressed by leaders of the Russian Duma. After all, President Putin was given a promise by President Biden that the US would not intervene militarily in Ukraine and would promote the Minsk agreements, rendering NATO membership for Ukraine all but dead. Clearly, Russia places little trust in verbal agreements such as those made in 1990 regarding NATO’s eastward expansion, hence Putin’s demand for a written agreement. The promises made in 1990, were followed by dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, dissembling of state institutions and industries, including defense, and leaving Russia open to financial predators, rendering James Baker’s promises meaningless. In the end the validity of such as treaty, should it come to pass, will depend on Russia’s ability to hold NATO’s feet to the fire. The reality today, as Col. Macgregor noted, is not like that of the 1990’s, as Russia, with China at its back, is one in which the US cannot simply dictate policy. Hopefully, the positive steps taken in this call will be able to to withstand the furious bi-partisan reaction of neocons in Washington, London, and Brussels, such as those expressed by a clearly insane Sen. Wicker, which are sure to come.