[diognesofsinope]

They are signaling. Push came to shove and the unfortunate reality is that Ukraine isn't that important to most countries and the risk of a greater war is worse.

The lesson here is that every country should learn to defend itself.

[myko]

I think the lesson is Ukraine should have joined NATO years ago and countries should only elect leaders who respect the alliance and want to keep it strong.

[s1artibartfast]

That would have just moved the timeline up. Ukraine is in a shitty position. Russia has always had a "red line" of conflict if Ukraine joins NATO. NATO has always known this.

Russia's neighbors want in to be protected from war, but there is no way in without starting a war.