I am well aware of both sides of the argument about 2014, and don't really care about them either way. Under the terms of the Budapest Agreement signed by Russia, Russia had no right to intervene in the internal affairs of Ukraine period. It had no legal right to the Crimea nor to the Donbass period, regardless of the presence or preferences of any ethnic Russian minorities. Certainly, Russia itself has zero respect for the self-determination rights of any ethnic minorities within its borders.
Which goes right back to the original question I asked. What, specifically, was Russia afraid of that justified that invasion? Was Russia somehow worried that it would magically become a member of NATO itself despite its wishes?
“What, specifically, was Russia afraid of that justified that invasion?”
Who said Russia was afraid?? Russia observed the actions of an aggressor and decided do draw a line — which was crossed.
Russia saw:
-Expansion of NATO in the 90s from 12 countries to 30 with several countries on their border
-Attempt to recruit Georgia into NATO in 2008 after a US deep state regime change
-Talk of inviting Ukraine into NATO
-US regime change or attempted change over many years through the use of force in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria
So, let me ask you. If China put missiles on the southern border of Canada and norther border of Mexico what do YOU think we would do? Would we sit back and wait for them to light the fuse?
I think I know the answer. Look at the Cuban missile crises for an the answer. Better yet, look at the hissy fit and red lines Australia (backed by the US) has drawn over the recent CCP and Solomon Island agreement. How about the pot calling the kettle black?!
So, your question, why did Russia invade? They saw an aggressor with a history of regime change and invasion making moves to take action (like missiles in Cuba or on our border). They took action and who can blame them for looking out for their country?
They used the same logic we used to invade or take military action in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria.
That’s the answer to your question.