After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was looking for a little while like the West might make peace with Russia. In the post collapse of the Soviet Union, Billionaire Oligarchs emerged that controlled most of the business and finance while the Russian population was extremely poor.
When the Russian judicial system went after a few of them, and specifically Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the US immediately started to sanction Russia.
Since then I've lived through years of the West accusing Russia of interfering in democracy, and just endless nonsense propaganda, like blaming Putin for Trump winning the election. Zero self reflection on them interfering in Russia.
While I support Ukrainian independence, I understand why Putin would freak out about having a hostile neighbour backed by the West and capable of installing weapon systems within close Range of Moscow.
I'm neither Russian or American but you're seeing through tinted glasses.
Russia's direct interference through social media over the past decade has paled in comparison to... what, indirect interference of supporting a neighbor who wants independence?
If everyone around you would rather associate with the other side of the planet, maybe you have to take a look at yourself. Russia is not equipped for such introspection and self-driven reform. Joining NATO is not remotely equivalent to annexation.
This is how their propaganda explains it. But in reality why on Earth would West want to attack Moscow?! What would West gain from that?! And just because of "his personal fears" he decided to invade an independent country. That's an is indefensible act of terrorism.
When the Russian judicial system went after a few of them, and specifically Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the US immediately started to sanction Russia.
Since then I've lived through years of the West accusing Russia of interfering in democracy, and just endless nonsense propaganda, like blaming Putin for Trump winning the election. Zero self reflection on them interfering in Russia.
While I support Ukrainian independence, I understand why Putin would freak out about having a hostile neighbour backed by the West and capable of installing weapon systems within close Range of Moscow.