[pphysch]

Yes, Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea induced NATO to heavily militarize Ukraine.

Were you not aware of this? It was kept quiet, but not exactly secret.

> Since Crimea was annexed in 2014, the U.S. and partner militaries have helped grow Ukraine’s forces from just over 100,000 troops to nearly 250,000 [in 2017]. Just since January, Capt. Christopher’s unit of 250 soldiers has added another 3,000 or so Ukrainian soldiers to Kiev’s ranks.

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2017/10/ukraine-us-trains...

[lisasays]

The language in your post (particularly where you say "over a decade") misleadingly suggests that there was significant buildup pre-2014. And that poor, frightened Russia has just reacting the way any country would, in response to this imagined buildup.

[pphysch]

How is 8 years not "nearly a decade"? How is +150% over 3 years "imagined"? I understand this is an emotional topic for some, but let's not be obtuse about the basic numbers.

[lisasays]

How is 8 years not "nearly a decade"?

By invoking the number "10", subtracted from 2022 -- you're making an allusion to Russia's claims that it was significantly threatened by Ukraine's buildup or NATO musings pre-2014 to do, well -- what it just had to do to protect itself.

How is +150% over 3 years "imagined"?

When it alludes to the pre-2014 situation -- as your post does.