Quote (Black XistenZ @ 23 Jul 2019 14:34)
Sure, that's the sensible solution. But what if Russia has already decided otherwise, and has already invaded Eastern Ukraine? How would the EU react?
As I said, in this scenario, which is not completely unrealistic, the EU countries would be predictably torn on whether to deploy the joint EU army or not.
I doubt Russia would invade a sovereign country that doesn't pose a realistic threat, and if it did then it would likely back off if they got something better in return. Right now the Middle East is their top priority, and if they can get the EU to remain neutral or even support their policies there, they won't mess in Europe... a conflict there is a lose-lose situation for everyone. If Russia want to erode EU-US relations, then they have to leave the EU alone and make them feel safe and detached from the idea of needing NATO. Stirring conflict in the region would just bring the EU and the US closer together, and that's the last thing Russia wants.