They want to step Russia on its metaphorical throat, so it submits to the whims of the West. The idea is that Russia’s nuclear defense umbrella was built at a time when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. Therefore, Ukraine is one big hole in this defense. So Ukraine being part of NATO means that at least for 2-3 decades (and likely forever more) NATO would have nuclear first strike capability over Russia, without fear of retaliation.
Which is exactly why Russia was willing to go to war over this. When they say it’s an existential threat, they really mean it. If Ukraine joins NATO, that’s the end of Russia as a sovereign nation.
They want to step Russia on its metaphorical throat, so it submits to the whims of the West. The idea is that Russia’s nuclear defense umbrella was built at a time when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. Therefore, Ukraine is one big hole in this defense. So Ukraine being part of NATO means that at least for 2-3 decades (and likely forever more) NATO would have nuclear first strike capability over Russia, without fear of retaliation.
Which is exactly why Russia was willing to go to war over this. When they say it’s an existential threat, they really mean it. If Ukraine joins NATO, that’s the end of Russia as a sovereign nation.