The notion that Russia would militarily occupy Europe is indeed pure fantasy. However, what’s absolutely certain is that Russia will exploit the political chaos in Europe caused by collapsing living standards, a crisis Europe itself created. In a twist straight out of Greek tragedy, Europe’s fear of Russian domination has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. By cutting itself off from cheap Russian energy, Europe gutted its own economy, triggering a steep decline in living standards and leaving the neoliberal political center teetering on the edge.

Now, nationalist parties are surging across the EU with RN in France and AfD in Germany are leading the charge. These two nations are the pillars of the EU, and if they turn inwards, the entire bloc will collapse. Meanwhile, countries that choose to normalize relations with Russia stands to reap immediate material benefits, making it all too easy for Russia to sway politics across Europe. There’s no need for Russia to physically invade Europe at this point.