Yes, while I do not in any sense condone Putin's war nor wish to be an apologist for them, I feel that there are far too many overly simplistic assessments and commentary on it.

In the last 200 years Russia has been invaded, on average, once every 33 years. It could thus be fairly argued that it does have reason to fear incursions upon its borders.

There are many other geopolitical and other factors which have almost certainly influenced the views of Putin and others in the Kremlin.

However, it is those without power that actually fight and suffer in wars. It is rarely those who want them or cause them.