The one thing that has remained consistent about that part of the world (Eastern Europe and proximity) is that the Peoples of those nations have lacked responsible, ethical, free-representative governance for centuries. Instead of helping them to become more like we used to be (a constitutional republic in the tradition of the Ancient Roman Republic) we are now becoming more and more oligarchic/corrupt/ungovernable like they are.

* Leadership Paradox - Principle which states that those who are least worthy of administrating governance morally, ethically, justly and efficiently are the most likely to achieve/hold power.