They want to neuter the US, as the world's leading super power and they have to do it before PDJT's likely return to the WH. .
They would just as soon have a weak and disunited US roll over and show it's belly, but if it takes a war, before our Nov election, so be it.
Then China moves on Taiwan and the US, with our "woke", DEI military, cannot, possibly, fight a 2 front war or, worse yet scenario, a 3 front war if Iran steps in.
I think WW3 is less likely if PDJT is in office, but not because he will appease Russia, China and Iran.
Probably the same as the Eastern European countries that border Russia feel about the having their internal politics meddled with and being threatened and intimidated by Russia.
Perhaps, if Russia (Soviet Union Lite) cut that out, just maybe those contries wouldn't feel the need to join NATO.