Russia's Invasion of the Donbass

A major goal of Russia, it seems to me on top of getting Ukraine to commit neutrality to not joining NATO, was to get Ukraine to implement the Minsk Accords. And I'm wondering what you make of the admissions that have come out since Russia invaded from NATO leaders like Angela Merkel and Francois Alon. Is it really the case that they're all lying now to cover up their past behavior so that they don't damage their reputation in the West? It's really hard to know what to think for sure.