You are someone who is aware of the workings of the world as we know it today. Or should be. Rightly or wrongly. USA would never except a Canada or Mexico allied with BRICs and a Russian and or Chinese military alliance. USA would put an end to it. As we saw with Cuba in the 1960's So why do think Russia would accept a Ukraine in the same way. You sound like a dreamer and a someone who is naive to the present situation. In any case. I am sure Ukraine and Zalensky would have had a zillion chances to stay neutral after he got elected .But chose this present path, knowing full well of the consequences.