Putin has been clear about Ukraine not being a part of Nato for decades. Everybody knows this. Furthermore he's long stated he wanted the regions’ problems to be resolved through the Minsk accords...which Ukraine agreed to but did not follow thru on their part.
You avoided the question.
Putin says he invaded Ukraine to stop NATO encroachment.
You say Ukraine joining NATO was never on the table.
Well which is it? Is Putin lying to justify his land grab?