What is driving Russian aggression in Ukraine? Is it Putin being Putin? I doubt it. He is not an impulsive or rash leader, and anyone paying attention should know this.

Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, seeks to deepen ties to the West and make his country stronger economically, politically, and militarily. Ukraine has expressed repeatedly that they desire to become part of NATO. A cursory glance at a map of current NATO Members explains why Russia is so intent on threatening and pressuring Ukraine to stay out of NATO. If they, Ukraine, become part of NATO, then only Belarus remains as a buffer zone. And if you've been paying attention, the people of Belarus aren't exactly pleased with their current leadership and are seeking to have a more open and democratic society.

Russia is staring down the barrel of a NATO that encompasses the entire continents of Europe and North America. That is not a position or a reality that is beneficial to their goals, so they will take the steps they deem necessary to protect their interests.

If Russia move on Ukraine, NATO will be forced to respond, which Russia is absolutely not prepared to defend against.