The problem with Russia wanting buffer states is that when it did have them in the form of the Warsaw Pact it stamped its own authority and philosophy on them with such force (1956 anyone?) that it was hardly surprising that when these countries were free to make their own minds up they did as much as possible to ensure it would never happen again. It's Russia's own fault that their former allies embraced the west with both hands. They surely didn't expect any different?