Russia Ukraine war, page-306

The reason that Putin dislikes NATO is because he wants a free hand to militarily threaten neighbouring states. Then he can impose policies in his "sphere of influence" by rolling tanks into Georgia or attacking and annexing parts of Ukraine or installing a puppet government is Belarus without a face off with a credible unified opposition that could put a stop to the bullying and gangsterism. Unfortunately he has now antagonised most of Europe and I suspect the Germans will be looking for ways to wean themselves of Russian gas and sever commercial ties with what is a Pariah State, and the neighbours will now reinforce their military preparedness and opposition.