The USSR/Russia has exported to Europe since the early 20th-century, maintaining an uninterrupted supply throughout the tumultuous 90s. Ukraine disrupted delivery when it siphoned and sabotaged pipelines, freezing countries during the winter.

Germany, Russia, and energy-dependent nations partnered and invested in the Nord Streams to bypass Ukraine's corruption and pipeline sabotage. Unfortunately, a powerful state exploded Europe's inexpensive energy and re-established Trump's failed LNG contracts that are ten times the price.

European manufacturing suffers significant decline and economic loss and accuses the US of price gouging. Europe isn't naïve or weak, but now, it's a US satellite state with minimal options. EU governments may benefit, but Europeans don't.

Russia's imperialist endeavours are dismal; it hasn't established 800 global military bases to colonize and control the global economy. It invests in military developments to deter US invasions yet doesn't allocate anywhere near as much as the US.

The US would defend its allies to safeguard its interests regardless of NATO membership, but the alliance is an added bonus, generating profits to keep the US economy afloat, regardless of war or peace. Still, wars are the ideal prize - hence the US' involvement in every conflict and perpetual fearmongering rhetoric.

I'm not afraid of Russia, but it'd be rude to discredit your fear. However, I'm curious to understand what becoming more Western entails and why it matters?