I don't think it was dalliance with NATO primarily. There were two massive energy deals in planning prior to the 2014 and 2022 invasions that would've put Ukraine in direct competition to Russia's energy supply to Europe. And Ukraine shares a lot more history with Russia than the other countries on their border. Shit, Finland already faced a Russian invasion, they inflicted huge losses but still had to concede 10% of their land. Similar to this war I guess. Sad for all IMO.
‘No other option’: Excerpts of Putin’s speech declaring war
Before launching the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II, Putin made an address.
I was just going off this article citing the reasoning to be around the threat of nato. I’m sure there are many complicated factors but the energy mention you make still doesn’t justify their invasion in my view