Russia Sphinx re-loaded

O, old world! While you still survive,

     While you still suffer your sweet torture,

Come to a halt, sage as Oedipus,

     Before the ancient riddle of the Sphinx!..

Russia is a Sphinx. Rejoicing, grieving,

     And drenched in black blood,

It gazes, gazes, gazes at you,

     With hatred and with love!..

I believe these verses of Alexander Blok (Scythians, verses 21-28) can still describe the attitude Russia may have for Europe. However, presently, it is not a matter of love and hatred, yet of apathy and interest. Russia is simply staring at EU as a peculiar and feeble political subject but a perfect economic partner, waiting EU to solve its own enigma. But time is short, and the Sphinx could well look away.