Russia would have no money to respond to any NATO buildup, especially after sanctions and without most hard currency income. This is why they try to scare the west into submission. A bit like a poor man's China approach.
What did work best during the Cold War: Power language, this for that, credible counter-threats and quiet business, trade and credits. It was fun to see the US reactivating the 56th Artillery Command at Mainz the other day. This is the language needed.