Again great points from @Renehere about how a Trump administration would allow Russia to increase pressure and influence over all of the listed countries.
Assume that in his lifetime Putin will attempt to conquer as much of this alleged historical Russia as possible. To do so, he needs military power. As of today, most of Russian military capabilities are engaged along the border with Ukraine. If a Trump Presidency makes an earlier ending of the conflict with Ukraine more likely (at least in terms of reaching a lasting ceasefire), then one could hypothesize that Putin might divert the freed military capacity elsewhere.
One of the recurring themes in the rationales is along the lines of: Russia is already struggling to maintain its overextended army in Ukraine, it is therefore unlikely Putin will engage elsewhere until the conflict is not resolved. A Trump administration might weaken this argument.
Again great points from @Rene here about how a Trump administration would allow Russia to increase pressure and influence over all of the listed countries.
We know Putin likely dreams of building a new Russian Empire, including a wide range of countries from what he defines as "historical Russia", so here's a thought experiment.
Assume that in his lifetime Putin will attempt to conquer as much of this alleged historical Russia as possible. To do so, he needs military power. As of today, most of Russian military capabilities are engaged along the border with Ukraine. If a Trump Presidency makes an earlier ending of the conflict with Ukraine more likely (at least in terms of reaching a lasting ceasefire), then one could hypothesize that Putin might divert the freed military capacity elsewhere.
One of the recurring themes in the rationales is along the lines of: Russia is already struggling to maintain its overextended army in Ukraine, it is therefore unlikely Putin will engage elsewhere until the conflict is not resolved. A Trump administration might weaken this argument.