Lets be honest, the US is much more proactive at defending. Look at Germany, how reluctant was to even start doing sanctions or distribute arms. The eastern c

Lets be honest, the US is much more proactive at defending. Look at Germany, how reluctant was to even start doing sanctions or distribute arms. The eastern countries see this, and they just don't trust Germany will have their back. Same with France or Spain or Italy. Also, the Bosnia war/genocide, and the late intervention is a clear failure of European policy. The US had to step in to make it stop. Same during the Kosova ethnic cleansing. The Eastern Block members know their only single reliable partner is the US and not the other large EU members who are always late to do anything.