Defending yourself is escalating the situation? What's the alternative you are looking for that Russia will accept?

Bullshit.

Its russia that has escalated it, no, started -and- escalated it all. If you want the war to end, argue for the invader to fuck off.

So we should push for Ukraine to be added to Nato and end the conflict all together. That'll appease everyone right?

Rustig aan Jochem, snij jezelf niet aan dat scherpe randje

Stop calling "fighting back", escalation.