It seems from the various reports that there are accusations of political subterfuge from both sides. i.e. underhand attempts to influence political outcomes. I do note that it seems that the US and the West is being held to a higher standard then the Russians in this matter.
The allegations from either side may be true or not. Probably we will never know but it is beside the point.
Political subterfuge to influence political outcomes in other territories is 'in the game'. Everybody knows this even though nobody will ever admit to doing it.
What is definitely not 'in the game' is massing military forces on a border to support an illegal annexation of strategic parts of your neighbour's territory. Forcible annexation against the will of a neighbour is a relic of the centuries past. Russia has broken a taboo standing for many many decades in engaging in this action. That is why their behaviour is such a threat to the 21st century world order.