"No one is trying to blame Russia alone for anything. The problem is that Russia is now so secure in her complete and total innocence that she thinks she can once again dominate her neighbors and reduce them to "spheres of influence" and "buffer states." People who think that way are anachronisms stuck in the cold war!"
I think you have the wrong impression of how Russia is "acting" now. Russian television (state-controlled and private) is choc-full-o historically based mini-series and documentaries detailing the horrors of the Communist regime. These shows pull no punches. The younger generations know their history (now) and are not willing to repeat it - HOWEVER, they don't want to be treated like post-WWI Germany and have their pride stolen from them.
Also, if you look at Russia's history you can better understand why they act they way they do vis-a-vis the near abroad. Doesn't mean I always agree with their actions, but I at least understand them. Besides, their recent actions in the near abroad have done nothing but to screw their relationships with neighbors and drive them into the arms of NATO...
The enslavement of millions behind the Red Iron Curtain is nothing to be proud of. Now that the cold war is over, should we forget that it even happened? Stalin's Empire was worse than Hitler's! It lasted longer and took more lives! Only COMMUNISTS celebrate it!
You mean Russia can't have a Monroe Doctrine of it's own?