You can never under-estimate human's illogical devotion to some cause.
The devotion to the cause of the weak. look at Europe now. First, Germany installed a communist educated lady as head of the conservative party, then she became head of the biggest Nato nation. "The most powerful lady in the world". ( wir schaffen das)
Her lady defense minister, that squandered all the money, and left germany defenseless, was made head of the European Union, for more of the same., on a larger scale. you could not make that up, without being laughed at. in the meantime,
Putin warned the other former colonies, The baltics to protect his embassies. Any riot there will become a reason to invade in order to protect the bear's interest. not invade, but be forced into the next " military action".