Putins unmentionable fear

“Ukraine is an inalienable part of our own history, culture and spiritual space. These are our comrades, those dearest to us – not only colleagues, friends and people who once served together, but also relatives, people bound by blood, by family ties.”

Putin's vociferous on Ukraines' cultural/historical bond with Russia, the threat posed by NATO expansion...

...but silent on why nations with cultural/historical ties choose to join NATO and work towards the membership criteria.

for example, "a demonstrable commitment to the rule of law and human rights".

[North Macedonia 20 years to meet the criteria and become a member]

so what does Putin really fear ?

a) military threat

b) Ukrainian Nazis

c) freedom of political choice, rule of law etc. that comes with NATO.

just thinkin.