[jjsheridan5]

I think most military experts agree that this is a typical Russian invasion, it is a method of slow conquest that they use.

It may turn out to be some kind of precursor to an invasion. But to say that it is a component of a "slow conquest" is somewhat speculative. I cannot read their minds, and neither can anyone, even "most military experts". It could just be what it appears to be -- they don't want a western leaning, and hostile, Ukraine, that is fully outside of their influence. It would be a terrible blow to them in a variety of ways -- politically, militarily, psychologically, and economically. I think that they would settle for a federated Ukraine, which they have been pushing for, since it would essentially keep Ukraine in a state of political paralysis, and therefore unable to fully escape their influence.

In which case, it is not an invasion, but rather in that gray area.

[ansel12]

That’s what I said, they are conquering countries to rule over, it is what they do.

The Soviet Empire is over and Nazism is dead, there is no Soviet Union or Nazi Germany that needs “protection” from the free nations anymore.

[justa-hairyape]

In which case, it is not an invasion, but rather in that gray area.

They are probing. Looking for a weakness to exploit. They are over 30 million Ukrainians and over 5 million Russians in that country. Very difficult situation for all involved.