I think the linchpin issue is actually NATO expansion. Getting Ukraine into the alliance would put NATO right on Russia’s doorstep, and that’s why it’s a red line for Russia.
Don’t forget, Estonia is a borderland to Russia and is a NATO member. British Tanks did manovers directly at the russian border. And everyone is actually scared about a russian defence shield 1000km away from the Ukrainian border on their own territory.
I think the linchpin issue is actually NATO expansion. Getting Ukraine into the alliance would put NATO right on Russia’s doorstep, and that’s why it’s a red line for Russia.
Don’t forget, Estonia is a borderland to Russia and is a NATO member. British Tanks did manovers directly at the russian border. And everyone is actually scared about a russian defence shield 1000km away from the Ukrainian border on their own territory.
Yeah, I love how Russia is the aggressor here when NATO managed to creep up all the way to the Russian border.