Originally Posted by
rh200
Yes on the street level, at the higher up level they know better. The surrounded and threat bit, is purely about culture, influence and power.
But the Sentiment on the street is exactly what it's all about.
Putin uses it to foster his position in the popular opinion by doing exactly what he is doing right now.
Therefore, the point @Pontius Navigator makes is absolutely valid. The Russians
feel surrounded: The Population by NATO which has kept creeping ever closer to them, the Regime by a Governance model that doesn't suit them and would endanger their Power and Possessions).
No one really assumes NATO would invade Russia. Why should they? It is all about Sentiments....