I was never a fan of the NATO Serbia action. Didn’t think then or now it was smart or warranted.
So your argument is probably the closest I have heard to an analogy yet to justify Putin’s actions. But two wrongs do not make a right. They were/are both wrong and evil.
It’s realpolitik practiced by big powers. They do as they please. This current conflict will be one of numerous map re drawings that will occur due to resource rivalry, economic rivalry, nationalism, pre-emptive action, grievance, political deflection. You name it. No amount of tears, support, moral outrage or whatever is going to stop it occuring somewhere. It’s human history and the human future. It can be suppressed by alliances, unions etc etc etc etc. But still will happen regardless. Old conflicts settled. New conflicts erupt. So is the U.S going to be world cop to perpetually try to prevent or limit. I don’t think it will have digestive fortitude to do it. The staying power if that what it chooses to be.