[redgolum]

Russia views those former satellites as part of the “Third Rome”. Once you are part, you can't leave. They will move to reoccupy those states someday. Their outlook pretty much demands it. Not to mention the Pan Slav leanings.

Now think of this. A good portion of the West Coast of North America was claimed by Russia at one point. If the balloon ever goes up here, they will be tempted to step in and reclaim those lost areas.

[Navy Patriot]

A good portion of the West Coast of North America was claimed by Russia at one point.

Zero just gave three Alaskan islands back to Russia for free last week.