Perhaps we have different meaning to "threat."
"Threat" means Russia would be in danger of being invaded. I doubt Russia is under the apprehension that NATO will invade Russia unprovoked.
Yes, I understand very well that Putin would like to reconstitute the Soviet Union (or the Russian Empire), preferably surrounded by governments "friendly" (frightened) of Russia. Yes, as a buffer zone as well as to have more resources to play with.
My point is that while he might find NATO maneuvers in the Baltic states a sign that his goals would be frustrated there at least for the moment, he would not mistake it as a sign of imminent invasion, and indeed as the sign it would be intended as of "Do not play here except at your own peril."
Could he or would he do something afterward? Maybe.
But he would not be mistaken about the message.
Uncle Ted
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