Just to add on to this, Russia needs support in the region. Most democratically elected governments do not choose to align themselves with Russia. This is why P

Just to add on to this, Russia needs support in the region. Most democratically elected governments do not choose to align themselves with Russia. This is why Putin always props up nearby dictators. Without support, Putin’s regime and power would be in danger. You see many examples of trying to strong arm support from weaker regional neighbors: Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, Georgia, and now this situation.