Russia's national objective is NOT making Russia larger! Turn on any TOPOGRAPHIC map for Russia, you will instantly realize Russia has FEW defensive positions on its VERY LONG border! The Russian border is FLAT LAND and the division against its neighbors is ARTIFICIAL! You can simply walk across, if not stopped by a guard. How can Russia muster enough troops to defend such a long border? Now, look at the other 14 former Soviet Republics. All provide Russia with some degree of defensive positions. For example, Ukraine offers the Carpathian Mountains, the Baltic states provide the Baltic Sea, etc. I'm NOT justifying Russia has the right to invade its neighbors for its own national interest, but one has to be a fool to not realize Russia would eventually strike if NATO keeps expanding into these former Soviet republics. This is like I have every right to walk down the street with $100K cash in my hands, and a thief has absolutely no right to rob me. However, if I actually do it simply because I have the right and get robbed, I must have been an idiot! If for any reason at all I must do it, I should only proceed with an armed escort. Similarly, if the US wasn't ready to fight a war over Ukraine, it shouldn't have engaged with Ukraine militarily. A HALF-HEARTED engagement is very dangerous for both Ukraine and the rest of Europe! Likewise, if NATO is truly interested in absorbing Ukraine, it should have gotten it done long ago. To keep an invitation open since 2008, and yet NO timetable or milestones to move forward is the WORST of both worlds for Ukraine! In summary, Russia is guilty of invasion, while the West is guilty of recklessness!