It was to protect from Soviet expansion, and when the USSR fell apart, there was a chance to change the paradigm, but it didn't happen. Is it any wonder that Putin thinks NATO's purpose is to stand against Russia and keep them down?
Discussion
The pro-Russia sympathizing is really disturbing to me. It's the result of nonstop propaganda campaigns, and influential people softening Russia's image via Western media. Respectfully, I disagree with your perspective on the matter.
You're reading way more into what I'm saying than intend. Is it really so radical to say that maybe, had the western world brought Russia into the fold and treated them like an equal while encouraging improvement where needed 35 years ago, we would likely have been in a better place than we are now?