BBC? Seriously? And you want to piss on an "opinion" piece from professors and analysts of international relations and politics?

Here is another "opinion" piece for you then, from yet another expert, illustrating that propagating the war as one against democracy, has a negative effect ultimately. https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/why-war-ukraine-not-about-democracy-versus-authoritarianism

Putin has already painted a common 'western' enemy.

Yes of course, as propaganda you numpty. The samevreason the US-led west is painting it as a war against democracy. Propaganda.

violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence.

Which nowhere states its an attack on democracy.

Or what else do you call forcible annexations?

A fucking invasion and annexation for imperial and power-attaining purposes.