In fact that went very poorly. They cut off gas to Europe in an attempt to freeze them and make them come to the bargaining table, but Europe responded very strongly and largely still supports Ukraine. The winter was even very mild. In cutting off the crutch, Russia forced Europe to go cold turkey instead of delaying it for a decade like they wanted to. Now Russia has to settle for selling the gas to other places at a steep discount, and Europe may never buy Russian gas again.
There's even a fun parallel to draw with the floating LNG terminals off the coast and WWII floating harbors for Normandy
True, but presumably because of the fear of losing energy supply, Europe chose _not_ to react to earlier provocations, including the invasion of the Crimea.
Yes, the whole salami slice expansion method seems to be designed, to use other diplomats as an abblative layer for empire expansion. Basically using your oponents wish for peace to slowly expand creeping.
And there is a whole diplomat generation standing by to be useful idiots again if not an example is placed like a statue every 3 generations.
There's even a fun parallel to draw with the floating LNG terminals off the coast and WWII floating harbors for Normandy