If we start playing in their front yard, don’t be surprised when they do the same to us.
You are ignoring the fact that Russia has a long history of abusing and murdering its neighbors. That’s why Russia’s neighbors invited NATO troops into their countries. They see the graves everyday of those killed by Russians and do not want more.
Russia is by far the biggest economy in that region. Everybody would much prefer to avoid conflict and do business with them. Unfortunately, Russia has felt a need to have a hegemonic relationship with neighboring countries. That is on the Russians and the blame US routine is a lame leftist diversion. Enough.
...”invited NATO troops into their countries”
Nato, in turn welched and stripped them of defense systems.
We don’t have the military to do anything. We are broken after ten years of failed COIN.
Also, I am in no hurry to defend the coup government. We really don’t know whose side they are on.
And yes, if we decide to play, expect blow back.