Baltic states have made I think the correct prediction that without NATO, the they would even not be the next after Ukraine now, but would have been the **first**. These countries have done all they could to join this defensive organization, with significant support from the local population. 

In 1991 one "relatively pro-western" country arrived with tanks to Lithuanian capital, killed 14 unarmed civilians, took over TV tower and broadcasted for a couple of weeks extensive explanations to Lithuanians (who were all fluent in Russian to understand) about who they really are. The push towards NATO by [these events][1] was such that no local propaganda could ever achieve, never ever.

Human memory lasts for many decades. It cannot be washed away with the hose of propaganda that easily. Once the shift backwards happened - can happen again. And it did.

  [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_Events_(Lithuania)