[pierrem15]

The only "traditional state interest" Russia has in its current periphery is centuries of brutal occupation, but somehow US interference, despite 80+ years of US military presence in Europe, is somehow meddling.

Got it. /s

[Rockingham]

The traditional rules of international relations arose over many centuries, beginning in the ancient world. Russia’s brutality toward Ukraine is not just a crime, it is phenomenally stupid. Still, the rules apply, perhaps enough to get a greater measure of international support against Russia if the US and Ukraine follow them.