Good question. I think that if Russia stationed troops in strategic places (with those countries’ permission) and/or retaliated in response to an actual attack on their country, then yes.

However, as far as I know, neither of those happened and the rationale I’ve heard reported is a mix of “that Land is really Russian land and Ukrainians are not a historically separate nation” or something like that.

I think what is truly immoral is the cynical and barbaric targeting of civilians, seemingly systematically and not isolated incidents.

My impression is that Russia isn’t doing this for defense reasons but rather for glory of the leader.

What do you think?