I can see perfectly well where Russia is worried about the expansion of the EU but they are fixated on the past and really can't expect to carry on threatening/annexing former soviet states militarily without the sort of economic repercussions they're now experiencing. As usual, those who really suffer as a result of all the power games are the general population.
Who is Putin frightened of being 'conquered' by? If the peoples of other states decide their future lies elsewhere how does that amount to a major threat unless Putin is worried his own people will decide they'd like some of the same. That's their prerogative isn't it? I reckon Putin needs to maintain a high level of suspicion and doubt regarding the west as a device by which he can manipulate public opinion at home.
Anyway I'm shortly going to be having a beer or three and not threatening any of my neighbours...
(unless they try to steal my roasties that is....)
