If by prevented, you mean pause until the next round of Russian aggression, yes, we could have prevented this.
Sadly no.
Russia will calm down about all Ukraine only if ALL Ukraine will be incorporated in Russia OR will be turned into Belarus No2 with someone like Lukashenko as ruler...
In worst for Kremlin version: via bribed by Kremlin oligarchs in Ukr government...
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We were stupid and didn't gave a f**k when Russia since 1992 th backed up and supplied seperatist controlled area in Moldova...1992-2022 ..
We were absolutely blind cos this wasn't important for us.
Until 2022 th and Medvedev promised to eliminate Moldova from face of earth....
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We were delusional in 2008 th that Georgia stuff was just small accident.
Didn't cared that Russia is supporting both these separatists areas in Georgia 2008-2022.
Until NOW....they want to schedule " referendums " in these areas.....and are bullying Georgia despite their president is pro Kremlin oriented oligarch and licks Kremlin's dick...
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We were delusional that Russia maybe will stop only with Crimea....
Now..
They are shelling Odessa and we have >5 000 000 refugees from Ukraine....
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We did a lot of mistakes with Russia and looks that still should start to learn....
Damn...
To learn when Kremlin is pressing our societies with huge propaganda....
With aim: let society in West think that we will stop and will be nice friends after we will control Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine....
They will not stop till Lisbon....
Azerbaijan too is scheduled....to process.
Wthey they will control Azerbaijan, they will be able to boost crude oil prices till heaven and.....better negotiate with...Iran...