This seems a bit disingenuous, similar situations are already in place, with Hungary/Orbán having basically an agreement with Russia, also India having no issue

This seems a bit disingenuous, similar situations are already in place, with Hungary/Orbán having basically an agreement with Russia, also India having no issues ignoring sanctions, yet we don't see annexations. Not to even mention Iran.. So it's not an analogy of what is happening in Eastern Europe. The soviet union was bad for those 'states' Europe was better, they wanted to join. Simple as that. Ukraine also wanted to join.. And Putin felt entitled to say no. In a sense you're defending oppression and lack of independence. We see a mature grown up approach from Europe, diplomatic, although slow.. Means that a lot less people die in the decision. If they decide to leave the EU, go ahead. If they decide to join, it's decided my all members based on criteria. Nowhere along the line does someone say : "Well, we're claiming Ukraine as our because it's close to your border."