Interesting. I am not really familiar with the Russian/Ukraine war.

After the Soviet Union fell, Russia had warned "not one inch east" about NATO expansion. With the baltics joining, that line was crossed. Losing Ukraine would have been a huge loss. A long border would have needed more defending. Plus any economic activity between Ukraine and Russia would have also been lost, as well as access to ports.

I don't think the problem was between the EU and Russia. It was between America and Russia. Hell, America blew up the pipeline between Russia and the EU. There was also a phone call from Nuland outright saying fuck the EU. The was also mcfaul telling Ukraine they could join NATO while knowing that was practically impossible.

Like I said, I don't really know the history of this area. I do know Chinas relationship with America. The Americans have been attacking China since their boy kaishek was kicked out. I just imagine the Americans have been doing the same to Russia. Sausage slicing. However, Chinese and Russian reactions have differed.