If we argue that NATO policy was not good policy, then what was the alternative? To leave these nations under Russian influence forever and ever?

As far as I can tell, these countries preferred Western influence--despite all its flaws--over Russian occupation and meddling. They made their own decision because they could see their bleak future if they did not create the right kind of alliances.

To me, this war was caused mostly by Ukraine moving its economy out of the control of the Russian oligarchs. NATO has been a smokescreen.