Russia hasn't just been attacking Ukraine. https://theowp.org/reports/russian-hybrid-attacks-in-the-bal...

That’s why Russia attacks in the mentioned ways instead of an open attack.

So they can deny everything and play the victim.

They know the NATO countries won’t call article 5 for that.

And that benefits Russia

:D it is a plausible explanation. The 'fun' thing about war is that information is part of the warfare and in our times propaganda is more important than ever. Naturally, there is a simpler explanation: Ukraine needs a more direct intervention so it seeks to manufacture a reason. Crazy. People working towards their individual interests.

Very important distinction, sure. The consequences will land in a different powerpoint slide depending on which article it goes by.