The problem that the west has with this war is it fails to see that the eastward creep of NATO threatens Russia's national security simply because the West sees itself as "the good guy" and Russia as 'the bad guy" and as such NATO's eastward creep is purely defensive ....not aggressive. (The military reason for placing troops and WMD close to the enemy is twofold : to have first strike advantage (offensive) and to protect borders(defensive) ...its the former that threatens Russia)
Just imagine that if Mexico joins the Chinese SCO and as part of that agreement China and other SCO members station military and WMD on the Mexico-US border to protect Mexico and Central American countries from the USA........would that be acceptable to the USA?
IMO no, just as the NATO eastward creep is unacceptable to Russia.
this is not being "pro Russia" ; its simple political realism and a recognition of how Great Powers have extended Spheres of Influence* (Even Aus regards the Islands and PNG/East Timor as our "Sphere a of Influence" and we had/have mini convulsions when the Solomons took China on board in investment and security.
Of course the US regards the entire world as its "Sphere of Influence" which has led to a plethora of wars post WW2 including this proxy war (some might say poxy war!)
