Putin in the Cat Bird Seat (6) - Baltic Threat?

Given a US concessionary deal, which if Trump is smart, he'll make happen in Anchorage, Russia poses no near term threat to the Baltics. Once Ukraine fighting ends, Russia will be forced to take a breather. She will need to consolidate her position in conquered eastern Ukraine territories. Also, expect at least five years of Russian regrouping and healing/strengthening internally. If we are smart enough to think carrots and not sticks, as I have recommended, Russia will have its hands full reaping the benefits of a trade agreements with the US and a chastened EU. And, China will be isolated, not morphing into leader of a BRICs anti US multipolar force.

I stand firm in my conviction that Putin is not Hitler. Yes he wants to revive Russian nationhood.... a modern day Catherine the Great. But, no, he has no interest in Hitler's lebensraum ie. expanding Russia beyond historical, cultural lands. Baltics, which some say are at risk, are NATO members. Ukraine was not. The 'Stans? They are Muslim. Russia already has its own problems with Muslim insurgency in Chechnya and Dagestan. Caucuses? Does the US want to go to WWIII over Azerbaijan or Armenia?

There is no reason US should be at war with Russia. Russia is on the way to cultural revival, buttressed by an expanding infusion of Orthodox Christianity (not bolshevism!). This is something to celebrate. We fought two world wars side by side with these people. We should be getting along with them.