You also said: Russia thinks the West is very aggressive and unstable, and seeks to put Ukraine in its "sphere of influence" before it's too late. To be hones

You also said: Russia thinks the West is very aggressive and unstable, and seeks to put Ukraine in its "sphere of influence" before it's too late. To be honest, I don't think Russia is in the wrong here, there is no real reason why Americans should even be involved with this country right up on the Russian border. Which suggests a strong overlap between "their" position and your own. So perhaps you'd like to clarify: Would Russia be "not in the wrong" if the actually invaded Ukraine? If that's what it ultimately takes to put Ukraine back in their sphere of influence? Because it sure sounds like you would be more or less OK with such an invasion.