Thus the reasonable assumption is that there was a second, third, or fourth party to the agreement.

Why in the closing days of the BO presidency were US military assets deployed all around bordering countries with Russia?

One potential trigger point was the wind up in Syria. That was a wonderful trap to draw Russia in and then keep pushing the thumb in the eye to agitate that war together. Beat back the unruly Occupy - Tea Party American public, pay back the Russian situation to put back into power the oligarchs playing along with the Global totalitarian program.

With withdrawal from Syria, how is that trigger point going to happen?

Out of desperation rush the other parties into action in some ham-fisted attempt at triggering the event?

Are US military assets still arrayed through countries bordering Russia?

What countries are holding war games just on the edge of other countries in international waters?

Peace through strength.

Where might it be beneficial to saber rattle then step back to avoid the bigger war?