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, forget. Latvia received a [comparable treatment][2].

Human memory lasts for many decades and is passed between generations. 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)
  [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Barricades