Why can't Russia stop the eastward expansion of the EU and NATO?
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and NATO promised Russia that NATO would not expand eastward. But in the next 30 years, after several rounds of eastward expansion, NATO gradually expanded eastward to Russia's doorstep, looking around the direction of Russia in Europe, and the countries adjacent to Russia that have not yet joined NATO are left with Belarus and Ukraine. At the moment, Belarus is the only country that stands out for Russia. And Ukraine is still at war with Russia!At the same time, after several rounds of eastward expansion, the EU has gradually expanded eastward to Russia's doorstep!So the question is, why can't Russia stop the eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union in the past 30 years?
In fact, this issue should be viewed from two aspects: Russia actually opposes NATO's eastward expansion, but Russia is willing to expand the EU eastward. Russia itself wants to join the EU!However, the European Union, with France and Germany at its core, has been too deeply hijacked by NATO led by the United States. Often, when the EU expands eastward, it will carry the private goods of the United States, that is, NATO's eastward expansion!Most EU member states are NATO members today!For example, on the issue of Ukraine, if Ukraine wants to join the EU, Russia will not oppose it. But if Ukraine wants to join the US-led NATO, then Russia will definitely resolutely block it. Now Russia's dispatch of troops to Ukraine is a good proof of this!
In the past 30 years, Russia has not been able to stop the eastward expansion of the European Union and NATO. There are two main reasons, the first is that the United States and Europe are too strong, but they are too weak. For example, in terms of Russia's economic aggregate, not to mention the United States, even the economic aggregate of Britain, France and Germany in Europe is larger than that of Russia. Then, in terms of specific industries, there are only two that Russia can handle. One is ** exports, and the other is oil and gas. Russia's industry is very homogeneous, and it is difficult to have a relatively large attraction to Eastern European countries!On the other hand, the level of economic development in the United States and Europe is much stronger than that of Russia. From the perspective of economic development, Eastern European countries are also more willing to be with the United States and EuropeThen the eastward expansion of the EU will also be accompanied by the eastward expansion of NATO. The 30 years from the 1990s to the present day are 30 years of gradual recovery of the Russian economy, but the effect has not been good!Now not to mention the United States, Britain, France, Germany and other developed countries. Even the countries of Eastern Europe have a higher level of economic development per capita than Russia!So Russia is even less attractive!Add to that some old historical grudges between Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe. As a result, it is difficult to improve relations between Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe!
In summary, why Russia can't stop the eastward expansion of the EU and NATO. In the final analysis, it is because your own strength is too weak, and the opponent is too strong!It is not easy for Russia to return to the glorious status of a great power in the former Soviet era!