Problem with Russia isn't even primarily that they want to pull you into your sphere of influence - because, as a Russia's neighbour, to defend yourself, you ha

Problem with Russia isn't even primarily that they want to pull you into your sphere of influence - because, as a Russia's neighbour, to defend yourself, you have to subscribe to another sphere of influence (US). The main problem is that, while being under US' thumb is a mixed bag, but can definitely be good for you (see eg: Poland, Israel), being ruled from Moscow pretty much guarantees stupidity and brutishness. In other words, Russian state is good at conquering and little else, and it sucks to be forced to join their world.