Ukraine as a sovereign state has to build a relation with its neighbor. To join a defensive pact with most of former enemies of Russia is a provocation. That do

Ukraine as a sovereign state has to build a relation with its neighbor. To join a defensive pact with most of former enemies of Russia is a provocation. That does in no circumstance justify an invasion, but it does serve as an excuse. Nato did show signs of expansion by giving (false) hope to Georgia and Ukraine. On the other hand, around 20 years ago Putin said he could imagine joining Nato one day... Of course the west is ultimately not to blame for Russia to invade. There were bad choices...