There is no evidence that Putin is trying to "build an empire." FFS he is already the autocratic ruler of the largest country on the planet, one with vast mineral, gas and oil wealth.

Putin has been in power for nearly 25 years and is 71. He has yet to go on an empire-building invasion spree.

However, in that 25 years the number of countries bombed, invaded, and/or destroyed by the US-led west is well into double digits. Then add NATO expansion after the reason for NATO's existence, the Soviet Union, was broken up.

Your accusation is just projection.