What I tried to imply - and in hindsight, failed to do so - was that if a Marshall Plan had been implemented, Putin may never have taken power.

But you make valid points in that there was never a guarantee that Putin or someone like him wouldn't take charge, and that Russia - having been a world power - would strongly desire to rebuild their status...and all eastern Europe, Poland, the Baltic states, and Scandanavia could do would be to watch a juggernaut rebuilding itself. And they would know they would be the first targets.

Lastly, I'm not at all of the opinion that we should be friends with Russia. I'm a moderate liberal and a strong supporter of Ukraine. It's just that I think we may have missed an opportunity to encourage Russia to go down a more peaceful path...but again, as you point out, that might have led to something even worse. Thank you :)