An article on the home page of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) is illustrated with an image of the Ukrainian flag alongside the Nato flag – the blue and yellow side by side with the compass rose on its blue background, representing the Atlantic Ocean and the direction towards peace.

"Nato condemns Russia's war against Ukraine in the strongest terms. The Alliance remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, helping to uphold its fundamental right to self-defence," reads the text.

However, in recent weeks the actions of one member – its main contributor – have seemed distinctly out of step with that statement.