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That's a really interesting summary.
I don't think commentators are saying the problem came from NATO expansion as such. I think everyone acknowledges that the problem is Putin.
But if you're offering a balanced view then you've got to explain the strategic importance to Russia of the ex-USSR countries bordering Russia's warm water ports, Putin's view of the historical ties, and what the potential risk of a Western military force on your boarder is. Not to mention the internal political risk of a EU member, West-facing Ukraine being successful and prosperous.
hugo7-
Not to mention the internal political risk of a EU member, West-facing Ukraine being successful and prosperous.
I think this is the crux. I read Ukrainians looked down on Poland as poor until Poland joined the EU and saw their prosperity increase. The knock on impact is Ukraine joins the EU and then western Russia looks at Ukraine and thinks they’d like a bit on that too and looks to Moscow to join the eu which can’t happen without massive political change. The Russian people then get feisty and there’s new revolution.
Alan_tbt
https://mobile.twitter.com/page_eco/status/1497186496574812161