[gandhium]

> They don't want to see an alien military alliance straddle their borderlands.

And all countries that bordered Russia don't want to see Russian military straddle their borderlands.

So... the obvious solution - counterbalance.

[erw1]

The obvious solution seems to have backfired.

[gandhium]

Why? So far Russia invaded only neighbors which weren't in NATO, so apparently joining NATO was (and still is) right way to protect your country from Russian aggression.

[erw1]

I suppose that means Ukraine and Georgia should try to join NATO. Then Russians won't invade them anymore.