With the European nations' sovereignty and military power weakened after decades of progressive erosion, their citizens disarmed, and their governments choked into inaction for fear of violating the almighty rule of "tolerance," Russia under Putin appears to be re-emerging as the dominant military, economic, and political power in western Eurasia.
Just my take on all of this.
“But Russia might find it a golden opportunity to do what America had prevented it from doing for 60 years: Invade western Europe.”
Yes...but why? They can’t really even defend the borders that they have now. And for what? Mineral wealth? Maybe they would like a nice port, but that’s about it.