He did call the Soviet Union the "Evil Empire".
That was the Commie Soviet Union, not the same thing.
And never once even ALLUDED to “freeing” a Soviet Republic.
He was smart enough to allow Russia their historical sphere of influence. And was most CERTAINLY smart enough to know Ukraine was off limits.
It’s the stupid people in charge of the west now that believe Ukraine can be “freed” from Russian domination and dominion.
The entire world will burn before that happens.