In the game of chess, there are moves that can be classified as strategically placed, and if I'm to be honest, the move taken by Putin this morning to annex four Ukrainian regions can be be counted as such because Zelensky didn't see that one coming.
 But it's quite interesting to note how Zelensky countered that move; by applying to joining the NATO! More like pouring salt on injury. I stand to be corrected, but stopping Ukraine from joining the alliance was Putin's aim of invading them, right? Where then does this action leave him? Probably take further drastic actions or will he be forced to back off?

According to NATOs article 5 defense clause, it states that all allies are to come to the aid of another in a case of threat to it's territory, but since Ukraine's move was abrupt, will this count?
 When the NATO was created in 1949, it's purpose was to ensure prevention of expansion of the Soviet union, but with the Soviet union collapsing in 1991, Putin claims that the then President of Russia, Gorbachev was promised by the US that NATO will not head East.

 Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe and has access to the Black Sea which has borders connected to the East and Putin believes that should Ukraine succeed at their intentions, Russia becomes easy to access.
 I'm wondering if this act by Zelensky was done out of desperation or if by it, Putin might be forced to retreat.

https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/30/ukraine-announces-bid-to-join-nato-after-russia-annexes-four-ukrainian-regions