Russia sees war as never-ending and relies on opportunism and social manipulation.

The west sees war as a means of resolving problems, and relies on technology, tactics and maneuver.

So Russia always attempts to steer events into an in-between space between peace and war, because it can neither win in peace nor in war.

more: http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/a-look-at-russian-civilization-power-truth-trust-and-war