Russia probably didn't think they will actually attack Ukraine and using threats would work while they upgrade, problem is that the Ukraine government has low IQ and so threats don't work. Wonder if the Taiwan Government has low enough IQ.
Not surprising, with global warming Russia location in the north has help it's wheat to weather it better while China has superior infrastructure and hybrid seeds.
The Pentagon must have known what China can do if provoke enough without the need to declare war if she shows up.
Putin gave a lot of warning about Ukraine joining NATO, US and co decided it was all a bluff and so he invaded.