Of course, you are using the term “Cold War thinking” as criticism of those people who believe that Russia is still dangerous. The relevant questions are: Is Russia still imperialist? Does Russia want to subjugate its neighbors? Is the Russian government still despotic? What do Russia’s neighbors think about Russia? You and other Putin apologists don’t seem to ask these questions. You ignore that Putin himself said that the Ukrainians have no right to be an independent nation.
After all the centuries of the Russian imperialism and despotism, the burden of proof is on Russia. Russia has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it is no longer imperialist and despotic.
Please substitute America as it's currently constituted with Russia, and answer each question honestly then get back to me