The problem is that Russia has not thought out their strategic plan for the next 20 years. They are just reacting to their old enemies and their humiliation. The Near countries are part of that reaction. But with a weakened Europe that encourage greater ideas because of opportunity. IF Russia could conquer Europe, unlikely I know, they would use Europe’s manufacturing capacity to supply their lack.

Russia’s real threats are China and Islamiczation of their southern border counties. I could easily see the US protecting Russia to restrain a Chinese Empire.