What was the point of these interventions? None, apart from obsession of control and "teach them lesson", in spite of all evidence clearly witnessing to the inefficiency of Soviet economy, which led to stagnation and then ultimately to a tragic collapse in late 80's.

Back in 2000's Ukraine wasn't at all obsessed on joining NATO - mass protests (Orange revolution, then Euromaidan) had primarily economical background, which is understandable if you look at this: