I must say I am of a similar opinion to RR, inasmuch as I agree that Putin seems more interested in the ex Soviet Republics.
These are also the areas where significant numbers of people are ethnic (if that's the right word) Russians.
It may be that all this "sabre rattling" is to provide a diversion from any problems he may have with the his domestic political situation.
Interestingly, Finland has a new Prime Minister from today (Kokoomus - Right party) and he, I understand, is a NATO leaner (my wife is away, visiting her grandchildren, so I may have got the translation wrong).