We don’t know the whole story, so it leaves us to believe the narrative or speculate or review history.

Of course, Russia’s invasion is a real issue for Ukrainians. War is horrific, and no one I know is saying, go Russia. However, every non-Westerner and numerous Westerns I’ve spoken to believe the US instigated the conflict. That’s not to say the US wanted a war, but it repeatedly ignored Russia’s “red line,” sparking flames, and Russia attacked Ukraine instead of the US.

We convince ourselves there’s a villain and hero in every story, but there are two villains and one victim (not counting the indirect impacts) in this story. Why is that so unbelievable? The US/NATO trope can get as stale and old as you like, but they were involved every time Russia invaded a neighboring state.

Maybe it’s a coincidence, or maybe Russians don’t feel comfortable with an enemy military encroaching along the border — I wouldn’t feel safe. The US does whatever it wants, disregarding the catastrophes it causes, but who knows? Maybe Putin randomly thought, fuck Ukraine, Russia’s relationship with Europe, profitable pipelines, and costly war, or maybe he didn’t think at all. I honestly don’t know, but regardless, the US’ actions didn’t promote peace.