https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/04/ukraine-counteroffensive-us-planning-russia-war/
archive https://archive.is/WS1SI
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/04/ukraine-counteroffensive-us-planning-russia-war/
archive https://archive.is/WS1SI
In fact, it's directly modelled on what NATO did to Yugoslavia where they recognized breakaway regions and then had them invite NATO to help. Russia is just following the standard set by the rules based world order here.