[amalter]

If this was the true concern of the Kremlin, why would they do the one thing that strengthens and enhances NATO in ways unthinkable even 6 months ago.

The war in Ukraine is the rebirth of NATO;

- Finland and Sweden on the fast path to joining. - Every member country making good on defense spending and more. - Eastern member countries inviting ever larger standing forces. - Renewed interest in Nuclear deterrents. - Reinforcement of other "NATO like" alliances like AUKUS.

If the true reason for the war was US-NATO provocation, the it was the most successful, long term, multi-administration conspiracy of the century.

Or - the Kremlin could simply be lying and have other ulterior motives for war (territory, hydrocarbons, empire, legacy, etc).

They are either stupid, or liars.

Fyiw - the only real "winners" here seem to be China.