The reason for the existence of NATO is to react to and serve as a deterrent against aggression, especially enemies that are much bigger than you.
Now the apologists are saying expansion of NATO is causing Russia to act like it is. Maybe that is correct, but they are reacting for the wrong reasons.
Many countries justify their arms procurement by stating they are for defensive purposes only. And that seems to be fine with world opinion.
NATO is not on the offense trying to score. NATO is the defense trying to keep the enemy out of their territory.
Can't an independent country make it's own decisions about defense and security ? Not according to Putin.