Actually we do have an idea how far Russia's, (as you term it) ambition goes, dfs.

Secretary Rice and Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov had a strategic (note the word strategic?) declaration document in which Russia layed out their concerns over the region and our intentions, while the U.S. stated we would work to satisfy those concerns.

Your idea of nations acting together in concert with the United States is what our current president's father called the New World Order.

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case, as personal interests, always take precedent over consortiums (?), especially when energy is on everyone's mind.

I liked your symbolic idea of denying luxury apartments to Russia's leaders (whomever they might be). Possibly we should start discussing Russia's hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics as well? : - )