And that was the quintessential mistake of the West. Thinking the Cold War ended because the USSR was dissolved. Their minds went out of the game while Russia w

And that was the quintessential mistake of the West. Thinking the Cold War ended because the USSR was dissolved. Their minds went out of the game while Russia was still on that game, only paused it temporarily because the 90s were brutal for them. On the part of Germany, IMO it was/is a bundle of many things like Germany is very industry heavy and having cheap gas is a much needed advantage, to the point all those bright stoic German quality minds made their own country very dependent on Russia. Also their historic and somewhat fascination with Russia, thinking they can "fix" them and be European brothers. Also psyops, treason and corruption at the highest levels. Best known cases: Gerhard Schröder and Angela Merkel's early life and questionable policies.