> but they've been extremely clear that this is about NATO expansion
So? it doesn't matter what Russia thinks, Ukraine is a sovereign country that can join NATO if it wants, just like other former Warsaw pact countries they all probably have a very good reason.
> And NATO has actually made multiple promises to NOT expand to the point of Russia's border but has made those exact expansions 3 times in the past decades.
This is actually false, NATO has never made this promise, there is time just after the fall of the Soviet Union that people claim this was made but the person who was there at the time disagrees, you can read about that here.
> Everything Russia's done has pretty much been a direct response to this.
I agree thats it's very likely that everything Russia has done has to do with either perceived slights (that dont actually exist) or imperialism.
> The primary ask of the peace deal was basically just that Ukraine doesn't join NATO
The reason Russia doesn't want Ukraine joining NATO is so that they can try this again in the future, Ukraine needs solid military alliances (even if not NATO) that mandate boots on the ground.
> That's exactly what this proxy war is and exactly why we keep sending so much "aid"
Our "aid" actually stops Ukrainians being killed and tortured, but if your all for letting Ukraine been steam rolled and genocided by Russia you wouldn't want any "aid" sent I guess.
> Americans need to own up to their role in this (no, I'm not a Russia apologist)
I'll take your word for it but every single sentence so far has been pretty much straight pro Russian so don't be surprised if I find it not believable.
If your not a Russian apologist I take it you want Russia to leave Ukraine (including Crimea) and for war crimes proceedings to begin against the Russians who are committing war crimes in Ukraine?.
So? it doesn't matter what Russia thinks, Ukraine is a sovereign country that can join NATO if it wants, just like other former Warsaw pact countries they all probably have a very good reason.
> And NATO has actually made multiple promises to NOT expand to the point of Russia's border but has made those exact expansions 3 times in the past decades.
This is actually false, NATO has never made this promise, there is time just after the fall of the Soviet Union that people claim this was made but the person who was there at the time disagrees, you can read about that here.
https://theconversation.com/ukraine-the-history-behind-russi...
> Everything Russia's done has pretty much been a direct response to this.
I agree thats it's very likely that everything Russia has done has to do with either perceived slights (that dont actually exist) or imperialism.
> The primary ask of the peace deal was basically just that Ukraine doesn't join NATO
The reason Russia doesn't want Ukraine joining NATO is so that they can try this again in the future, Ukraine needs solid military alliances (even if not NATO) that mandate boots on the ground.
> That's exactly what this proxy war is and exactly why we keep sending so much "aid"
Our "aid" actually stops Ukrainians being killed and tortured, but if your all for letting Ukraine been steam rolled and genocided by Russia you wouldn't want any "aid" sent I guess.
> Americans need to own up to their role in this (no, I'm not a Russia apologist)
I'll take your word for it but every single sentence so far has been pretty much straight pro Russian so don't be surprised if I find it not believable.
If your not a Russian apologist I take it you want Russia to leave Ukraine (including Crimea) and for war crimes proceedings to begin against the Russians who are committing war crimes in Ukraine?.