1) In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, you think that action A should be prefered to action B if the latter will be perceived by Russia as more aggressive - increasing the probability of a of a declaration of war by Russia.
2) If Russia was to invade Sweden - for example - I imagine that you'll find that action A2 should be prefered to action B2 if the latter will be perceived by Russia as more aggressive - increasing the probability of a declaration of war by Russia.
3) If there is Russian attack on a NATO country you see war as a consequence.
Some people think that taking action B now may actually decrease the probability of finding ourselves in scenarios 2 or 3 later. Maybe you don't, or you think that it increase the total risk.
But at least we may all agree that to minimize the probablility of war you have to consider the whole sequence of potential events.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annex
I was expecting a retort of more substance after I answered your question.