[konart]

Russia considers NATO's presence at its borders a national threat.

On one hand - NATO protects its members from our possible aggression, on the other hand Russia sees NATO's assets (lets say AA systems) as means to degrade country's capabilities to respond in case of attack from the West (no matter how are the chances of such an attack).

[throwaway894345]

So basically NATO limits Russia’s ability to attack other countries, and that’s a problem?

[kbart]

Propaganda aside - yes.

[konart]

To counter attack in case of possible attack from the West.

[Valakas_]

Russia is a like an abusive man with PTSD - always expecting an attack that doesn't come and victimizing himself while abusing others.

Has Russia perhaps thought for a moment why are countries making an alliance to defend against Russia? Why aren't countries in NATO worried about being attacked by other countries in NATO? Because *all the countries there don't want war*.

NATO is not to attack Russia, but to defend against it. The idea of protecting against counter attack from the West is like saying "I can't leave my house to protect against the possibility of a meteorite against my head."

[kelnos]

> Has Russia perhaps thought for a moment why are countries making an alliance to defend against Russia?

Yeah, there's a lot of rhetoric coming from Russia denouncing "NATO expansion". NATO isn't some belligerent expanding force, annexing territory; countries are actively asking to join NATO. Perhaps Russia should ask themselves why all these countries feel safer being aligned with NATO and the West than with Russia.

[avmich]

What Putin actually considers casus belli isn't important for the moment - it could be anything, reasoned or not. Can we, here, present arguments that the desire of Russia to be able to attack neighbor countries should be honored? Do we extend MAD doctrine to non-nuclear matters - that is, everybody should refrain from defense, as defense reduces their neighbors' abilities to fight back in case those neighbors are attacked? Is it reasonable - for the moment - to think that countries, improving their defenses, actually offend neighbors?

[throwaway894345]

Why would the West ever attack Russia? The West doesn’t initiate aggression.

[Thorrez]

Does Russia really think the West will attack them? Russia has nukes. The West doesn't want a nuclear war with Russia.

The West isn't even defending Ukraine from a Russian attack. Did Russia think the West would defend Ukraine? If so, why did Russia still attack? If not, then why would Russia think there's any chance the West will attack Russia unprovoked?