Very much in agreement with the article. The analysis about the current Ukrainian situation is a little bit limited, though, because Russia controls Sevastopol since it annexed Crimea in 2014; it didn't need the current war to control it more.
Agree. That was my first thought even when they invaded Crimea.
invitation => invasion? I don't think anyone invited Russia in Ukraine.
Could be a tongue-in-cheek? I understood that as being said in a sarcastic tone.