"NATO has been surrounding Russia with bases, and satellite states (using countries like Georgia, changing regimes, etc) ever since the "end" of the Cold War, and they're supposed to just sit back and take it."
Except this is exactly the Russian narrative coldtea is repeating.
"NATO has been surrounding Russia with bases, and satellite states"
Is this a fact or an opinion?
Joining NATO has been each time initiated by the new member state. Nobody has been called to NATO. Quite contrary, there was clear opposition to this and it was not at all certain if any of the new members would ever be able to join NATO.
This narrative like NATO is circling Russia is repeated every day in the Russian media.
It is not Russian neighbors fault that Russia has constantly demonstrated aggression towards its neighbors and willingness to repeat the invasion. Russian neighbors still remember the genocide that happened after the previous invasion.
"They're supposed to just sit back and take it."
In principle, in a civilized world where Russia has abandoned the expansion idea, yes.
Russia has chosen the isolation. Russia and NATO have been partners for long time but apparently the interests of both do not align anymore.
Edit: I agree with your description of the bigger picture.
"NATO has been surrounding Russia with bases, and satellite states (using countries like Georgia, changing regimes, etc) ever since the "end" of the Cold War, and they're supposed to just sit back and take it."
Except this is exactly the Russian narrative coldtea is repeating.
"NATO has been surrounding Russia with bases, and satellite states"
Is this a fact or an opinion?
Joining NATO has been each time initiated by the new member state. Nobody has been called to NATO. Quite contrary, there was clear opposition to this and it was not at all certain if any of the new members would ever be able to join NATO.
This narrative like NATO is circling Russia is repeated every day in the Russian media.
It is not Russian neighbors fault that Russia has constantly demonstrated aggression towards its neighbors and willingness to repeat the invasion. Russian neighbors still remember the genocide that happened after the previous invasion.
"They're supposed to just sit back and take it."
In principle, in a civilized world where Russia has abandoned the expansion idea, yes.
Russia has chosen the isolation. Russia and NATO have been partners for long time but apparently the interests of both do not align anymore.
Edit: I agree with your description of the bigger picture.