I highly recommend this lecture by a Finnish military intelligence expert for anybody looking to understand Russia's actions better. It was very enlightening at

I highly recommend this lecture by a Finnish military intelligence expert for anybody looking to understand Russia's actions better. It was very enlightening at least to me, goes in depth to how Russia's history has shaped its culture and thinking in bad ways. English subtitles available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF9KretXqJw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF9KretXqJw Based on the lecture it's evident that the Russian government only respects force. Soft measures will only encourage them.