A few years ago, I vaguely recall english-speaking redditors living in East Ukraine ridiculing the prospect of Russia, a friendly neighbor, ever laying a hand on their country.
They don't post anymore.
They don't post anymore.
Instead, the fierce and low-margin/high-risk compitition actually exist between aggressors 1. for the control of same region (eg Saudi Arabia) and, 2. providing same product (eg crude oil).