” The Russians were upset and angry but did not start a war and appeased NATO...”
I’m sorry, but that’s not “appeasement”. NATO did not invade any countries in Eastern Europe. Those countries voluntarily asked to join a defensive alliance.
“BOTH sides have behaved stupidly and disingenuously: practicing aggression, expansion and appeasement.”
No, only one side has been aggressive, and that is Russia. Nobody else has been invading other countries in Europe except for them, and they have done it habitually since Putin has come to power.
If you look at Russian history they have always tried to keep a buffer between them and potential aggressors and like it or not they see NATO as potential enemy. NATO moved right up to their borders, their reaction was perfectly predictable. I’m not condoning it but it was a very predictable response.