If NATO has a purpose besides mutual defence against existential threats to member states, then I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s purpose is to encircle Russia. This is what Putin believes. If that’s true then surely the price of realising that purpose is to make good on the promise the mutual defence. Quid pro quo. If there is no purpose - which in the absence of action seems likely - then the only logical step is to disband NATO, giving Putin what he wants.

In my view NATO has to absolutely step up and send forces en masse to Poland at the very least. Appeasing bullies never ends well.