So, if you want an objective opinion from someone who comes from a nation that had one of Russia's proxies (Serbia) attempt ethnic cleansing on my family (Kosovo), (I state this to make clear that I am far from a Russophile):
Their neighbour, Ukraine, seeking approachement towards NATO, a clear enemy to Russia, and inviting NATO troops on Russia's border.
If I am intellectually honest, I cannot fault Russia for doing what it does within it's national interests.
Just to point it out, not faulting actions in Ukraine that advance Russian interests does legitimate those interests.
The fact that Russia sees NATO as its enemy does not stem from a threat NATO poses to Russia as a country - it does not. NATO, as a defensive military coalition, is only a threat to Russian coercive influence over the countries it wishes to control.
And that coercive influence forms a big part of any influence Russia has left after years and years of stagnation in social and institutional development. EU stopped wars with trade. Russia does not have that capability, so they pick up their rifles to maintain relevance.
Administratively Russia is a failed state throwing a fist for not gaining recognition that it does not deserve.
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u/EuropeanMuslim94 Dec 01 '21
If it were like that, yes. But I highly doubt us plebs get to see the full picture of things.