I am always a bit sad when I see article which look like they might be justifying Russia invading another country by saying that a defensive alliance (NATO) which is designed to deter Russia from invading other countries is expanding to countries that dont want to be invaded by Russia.

It’s a bit like arguing that installing a police linked burglar alarm is incentivising thieves to rob houses before they are installed and to get them removed from existing houses (or they will rob others).

There’s a more nuanced piece here: https://medium.com/the-millennial-republican/to-those-blaming-nato-or-the-united-states-for-russian-aggression-c98524de1436

The key I believe is to remember the following:
1. Russia is a dictatorship with an economy the size of Italy but a nuclear arsenal and ego bigger than almost anyone else.
2. NATO has never invaded or threatened anyone (more this is difference to deterrence), while Russia has a long history with f bullying it’s neighbours