The EU is neither democratic nor flourishing.He is scared of Ukraine a former Soviet country becoming independent, joining the EU and becoming a flourishing democracy…..he can’t have that on his doorstep, whilst the people of Russia live in poverty whilst his oligarchs live in unbelievable wealth
It is in relative decline compared the to emerging economies in the East.
The EU put a gun to its head and threatened to shoot itself if Putin didn't surrender.
That is why the Russian economy is growing and Europe is stumbling along.
You are a classic Eurocentric Notch.
You believe the World begins and ends in Europe.