[DoughtyOne]

If Russia had gotten the Ukraine cleanly, it’s borders would
have moved West to the borders of nations who were members
of NATO. Russia would have NATO neighbors.

Remember, Russia won’t allow any nations on its border to
be members of NATO. That by definition means all members
of NATO would be picked off one by one until there were no
members of NATO on Russia’s border. Of course that’s kind
of a pick and choose situation. Estonia and Latvia have
never had one complaint from Russia. They have been
members of NATO since 2004.

Yeah, it’s a tough pill to swallow having to think what
you support will wind up doing.

One way or another, Europe was in the cue for more trouble.

[RedMonqey]

I think the reason Russia is so paranoid about Ukraine is the Steppes have been the historic route invaders have taken to attack Mother Russia. Whether Mongols or German Nazis.
It’s their version of the “Monroe Doctrine”

And the West has agitated the Russia Bear ever since the wall collapsed.

[Dr. Sivana]

Remember, Russia won’t allow any nations on its border to be members of NATO.M/i>

Russia has had multiple NATO neighbors for some time:
Only 6% of Russia's land borders touch NATO countries. Russia has land borders with 14 countries. Only five of them are NATO members.

SOURCE: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/115204.htm