The "NATO expansion" narrative is totally moronic and ridiculous.
First, Ukraine never had real prospects of joining NATO.
Secondly, NATO would not have any significant military infrastructure in Eastern Europe if not for the Russian aggression. And even the Bundeswehr has virtually ceased to exist, it's not a real military force anymore. Russia itself revitalizes NATO and pushes even countries like Finland and Sweden - that embraced neutrality for decades - to join the Alliance.
And thirdly, when the mentioned Northern nations - which are also Russia's neighbours - decided to become NATO members, the Kremlin showed virtually no reaction. Because it doesn't consider the "NATO expansion" to be a real threat
Exactly my point, well put.