It is an existential threat, sort of a hereditary enemy in old-time blood feuds. Now they are merely not in position of former USSR, that's all. Down, but not yet out. But their nature, worldview, ambitions etc - Weltanschauung - remains the same [sans red banners, but those were a meaningless decoration anyway], and that's why they are a threat.
OK I respect your feelings about Russia as a threat.