Lets remember how this war started.

Russia Doesn’t Want Ukraine To Join NATO. Is That a Reason To Invade?

In December, following months during which Russia massed about 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, Putin demanded that the United States and its allies halt all military activity in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and offer written guarantees that they would not expand into the former Soviet republics, including a request for a NATO commitment that it would not offer membership to Ukraine specifically. NATO refused the demand, saying it would not rule out membership for any country in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.

https://themedialine.org/news/russia-doesnt-want-ukraine-to-join-nato-is-that-a-reason-to-invade/

The other reason (minor) was the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

Nato/US response was "it was non-negotiable, as any country could apply and join Nato"

Well, Nato is NOT an economic club, its a Military Alliance (just like a gang). Its a Military alliance that have destroyed Syria, Libya and Yugoslavia.

It would be like all the Arab countries joining in a military alliance against Israel. It was a security risk to Israel back in the 1960.

As its a security risk to Russia now.

Imagine Russia starting a military alliance with Cuba and Venezuela - and installed military bases and missiles there. Do you think the US would sit idle?

Or imagine the Chinese building military bases in the Solomon Islands. Do you think we would sit idle? Well, this issue has been answered.

Just to add, there is ONLY one country with circa 900 military bases around the world - guess who? Don't you think countries around the world feel uneasy with missiles pointed them?

Bottom line: No modern state would purposely go to war against another - unless you have the ability to print an unlimited amount of money or backing from a country with the ability to print an unlimited amount of money. This was is costing a lot to Ukraine, Russia and EU.

In fact, just about every country on this planet is suffering as a result of this war.

What we need now are pragmatic politician (not ideologues) to come together to negotiate a peace deal - not pour more fuel onto this fire.