[Mariner]

Oh, without doubt Russia would be the aggressor in that scenario.

But not against ANY US interest.

[Kudsman]

I submit that the liberty of a people to choose their own legitimate self governance and nationhood anywhere on the planet is a US interest. Be it Ukraine or Taiwan.

We either stand for Freedom or we don't. Russia being "allowed" to annex a neighbor will satisfy an urge to control? It will stop there? I hardly think so. Better it never starts without pushback in the first place IMO.