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If those countries cant get along with EU they have a second option to create that grouping in between Russia and Germany/France.
Remember those countries are a bit more conservative then Western Europe and original EU countries.
You have to keep in mind many of those countries do have some reasons to distrust Russia and Germany.
Of course my sentiment is similar to yours. I see modern times a bit different and want Russia to be with Europe sphere.
I imagine certain neocon elements like the NATO original purpose is to:
"Keep Germans weak, Russians out, American interests in"
NATO’s first secretary general, Hastings “Pug” Ismay
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