[benterix]

I partly agree with you because Europe is not a monolith. The countries that decided to depend on Russia most weren't its direct neighbors. Basically all countries that share the border with Russia warned the rest that Putin can't be trusted. But all in, he managed to somehow deceive everybody, including the USA, into thinking that although it's an authoritarian state, it's somewhat civilized and we can do business with them.

So with Russia, we're past that rude awakening moment. With China, it hasn't happened yet.

[lostmsu]

He didn't even fool Trump who introduced sanctions against Russian gas counter to German politicians wishes. What does it say about European politicians who did nothing of the sort?