[shmobot]

Let's assume Russia indeed felt threaten by NATO and US and it somehow justifies taking a military action against. Then why Putin instead of dealing with NATO and US bombs women and children of Ukraine? Sieges and shells Mariupol for a month so people have to dig graves right in the yards of residential buildings and along the streets?

[ashtonkem]

Also, if it’s really about NATO, why all the nonsense about “denazification” and the existence of Ukraine being a mistake that Lenin made?

[ARandomerDude]

Politicians face three major problems with big decisions like war:

1. What should I do?

2. How do I sell it to the people at home?

3. How do I sell it to the rest of the world?

I think that accounts for why some correctly observe Putin claimed Ukraine needed to be "liberated" from all the Nazis (#2 above). It's also why Russia has said repeatedly that NATO caused the war (#3 above).

As for the actual cause (#1 above), like all wars, there are probably multiple factors, like:

1. Former KGB Putin and plenty of others longing for the "glory days" of the USSR.

2. A desire to stop NATO expansion by intimidating anyone else who might want in.

3. Removing the Zolynksy government and replacing with a pro-Russia government.

4. Solidifying access to the Black Sea and claims to Crimea.

...

ETA: also remember, if news reports are accurate, Putin thought this war would be a 5-minute cakewalk. I suspect Russia might not have invaded if they knew the cost in lives and dollars this war would bring.

[krisoft]

> Do you think it is possible in a war not to respond if you are being fired in from inhabited areas?

Yes. I believe it is possible to pack up and go home. The Russian invaders path is open and clear for that.

[BLKNSLVR]

Was Ukraine invading Russia from inside civilian inhabited address of Mariupol?