> And how is these countries joining NATO benefiting the existing NATO members?
Stability in Europe. The west doesn't want refugees from whatever country Russia decided to invade this week to show up on their doorstep all the time, or the supply chain interruptions that happen when war constantly breaks out. You might remember that NATO arose almost immediately after World War 2 which had a rather negative effect on Europe and European influence in the world.
> Obviously, Russia has nothing more to lose given the sanctions, so, the only thing left is a direct NATO conforntation,
Russia has plenty more to lose. Namely every major European power and the US unloading all their armaments on Russian cities that are very close to the border.
> but it seems that the West is more afraid of such conflict than Putin, who believes that this is inevitable and that if you're faced with an inevitable flight, it's better to strike first.
This is an absolutely unrealistic take. Russia _can not_ win major combat against NATO in any shape or form. They couldn't do it with their made up propaganda army and they certainly can't do it with their actual army.