That's why I cited the Russian strategic needs, (which you ignore.) Sure, yap about international law not mattering-- I agree. International law is a fig leaf covering realpolitik. Always has been. Don't mistake me for saying otherwise.

Focus on what matters: the big floppy sausage of Russian needs and what they're willing to do to realize them, international law or no. There's no legal framework for Russia's actions outside of might makes right or mutually assured destruction.