I keep hearing this excuse, it makes no sense. Joining NATO poses a threat?
Ukraine would not have been admitted into NATO anyway. NATO is a defensive organization. Ukraine has been technically at war with Russia for 8 years. Countries with pre-existing conditions (ongoing wars) would not be admitted because NATO would be obligated to intervene militarily on day 1 of its membership.
If an application for NATO membership were the real motive for the invasion then Russia will have to invade Finland (again). The last invasion in 1939 was a huge success!
Ukraine would not have been admitted into NATO anyway. NATO is a defensive organization. Ukraine has been technically at war with Russia for 8 years. Countries with pre-existing conditions (ongoing wars) would not be admitted because NATO would be obligated to intervene militarily on day 1 of its membership.
If an application for NATO membership were the real motive for the invasion then Russia will have to invade Finland (again). The last invasion in 1939 was a huge success!