@glynmoody
I suspect they would have had difficulty maintaining them.
But yes, the USA took the easy way of guaranteeing them against aggression.

Underperformed a bit fearing consequences to themselves.

And then Trump defaulted.

Hard to work it out, either forward or backward.

@Photo55 also the UK went back on its promises - not to mention russia...
@glynmoody we certainly underperformed, the first time round. I think our abilities were limited, and I'm sure we were wary of a(nother) Crimean expedition.
Russia remains a problem, I don't know how to solve it.
@Photo55 it turns out getting rid of ukraine's nuclear weapons was a mistake
@glynmoody could have sorted out the bridge I suppose.
Difficult to look after though, and very hard to use. Even tactically within your own border.