Well we’re in their backyard, why wouldn’t they do the same?
Mostly because they don't/didn't have the economic power, military organization or political will to do so.
But I think that's changing and Russia will definitely try to make exactly that point.
Because we have something called The Monroe Doctrine.
The Russians tried once to set up bases in this hemisphere and they were confronted and left. When we have a real, patriotic America First President again, I am certain he will tell Putin and Xi what the Monroe Doctrine is and how it is still going to be enforced.
Well, because we're not. They consider their "backyard" to be as far away as Germany. And for that matter, Russia already arms Venezuela, etc. They're the only reason why these countries haven't collapsed already. They keep the soldiers up and ready to put people down, even during the crisis a year or two ago in Venezuela due to oil prices.
You are right!! NATO countries are all around Russia. Russians would be stupid to not reciprocate. Or threaten to do so.
Russia is not expansionist. Russia is not a wealthy country. GDP is same as New York. They could not last a month in a conventional war with NATO. Not a threat to the US unless things go nuclear. I have no doubt it would in the event of war. Any war over Ukraine wound be idiotic.
So are they planning on shipping in a boatload of anti-tank missiles to Cuber??