General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]lanlady
(7,133 posts)It already stole Crimea, the Donbass region of Ukraine, and parts of Moldova and Georgia. Of course Russia wants territory. It's a corrupt, predatory state run by the Russian version of mafia dons. For these people, taking what doesn't belong to them is irresistible.
Russia has no right to dictate to its neighbors what sort of government they should or should not have. It would be one thing if Russia were a well-run state that other states could look up to and emulate. But unless your name is Donald Trump, no one aspires to follow the Russian "model" of extreme kleptocracy coupled with utter disregard for rule of law and human rights.
If Russia wants genuinely Moscow-friendly governments on its perimeter, it needs to undergo a radical transformation and start acting like a state that is worthy of respect, not a bully with anger management issues. Until then they can go f**k themselves.