A common excuse for the war we in Ukraine hear these days is that it was about Russian fears of NATO moving in. Is Putin really worried about having the Europeans in Ukraine? Apparently not.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine in a potential breakthrough that could help end the Kremlin’s war against Kyiv.

“He will accept that. I have asked him that question,” Trump said of Putin, when asked directly about the deployment of European troops. “Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war … I’ve specifically asked him that question. He has no problem with it.”

That makes no sense if Putin started this war because he was worried about NATO in Ukraine, but historically that was never the issue.

Putin’s first known interview, long before taking power, had him ranting about the breakup of the USSR and the ‘republics’ going their own way. Russian nationalists see the existence of Ukraine as a historic humiliation.

Do they want NATO in there? No. But they’re also not remotely afraid of NATO. Why would they be? Look at the current state of Europe and its military forces. And, more importantly, its political leadership.

Contrary to everything you’ve heard, Putin isn’t worried about Europe. This war was about Russia claiming territory that it believes belongs to it. If the deal comes with some Europeans playing soldier, Putin isn’t worried. He has no reason to be. Having Europeans on the ground will primarily increase pressure on Ukraine to avoid any conflict, while giving Moscow an extra set of cards.

Nobody’s afraid of NATO. Least of all the Russians. (Sadly, they’re not especially afraid of us either. Our track record of winning wars isn’t great.)