"It is important to evaluate stereotypes based on history and their merits."
"Russia is doing what they've always done and always will do."
What part of history implies, that russia (unlike e.g. Germany, France, UK, US,..) always started wars and always will be?
In some kind of way, yes. Cultures differ, sometimes drastically so. It is important to evaluate stereotypes based on history and their merits.
You said it yourself. Historically, Russia has faced many cyclic periods of expansion and reduction. They are currently being reigned by a patriotic figure with a record of dwelling on Russia‘s great past. Given enough time or an effective military response, chances are high that their next leader will be more favorable of peace.