[Dr. Sivana]

Remember, Russia won’t allow any nations on its border to be members of NATO.M/i>

Russia has had multiple NATO neighbors for some time:
Only 6% of Russia's land borders touch NATO countries. Russia has land borders with 14 countries. Only five of them are NATO members.

SOURCE: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/115204.htm

[DoughtyOne]

I believe that was the excuse Russia used for going into the
Ukraine. Why take all of the Ukraine if you’re only trying
to protect two regions with a strong Russian presence in
them?

I only knew of two nations. Interesting there were three
more. Appreciate the mention. Then what was the big
motivating factor behind trying to take all of the Ukraine?

Appreciate the source also.