It Begins
By 
To add to what Scott has said… Russia’s goals are not modest.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia declared the start of a “special military operation” in Ukraine, pledging he would seek to demilitarize but not occupy the country, addressing the nation in a televised speech broadcast just before 6 a.m. local time.
Mr. Putin said the operation would aim for the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine,” referring to the Kremlin’s contention that Ukraine’s military threatens Russia and that it is run by neo-Nazis.
“Demilitarization” is the forceful destruction of Ukraine’s armed forces. “Denazification” is the destruction or expulsion of Ukraine’s political elite. A lot of people will die and it is likely that there will be a lot of refugees.
It is true that NATO expansion put Russia into a difficult position. However, no country can be “forced” to undertake an illegal war of aggression and aggrandizement against its neighbor. The responsibility for this war lies entirely with Vladimir Putin and his leadership circle.