It all depends on what Russia ends up doing. The wild card I see at the moment is the Russian protesters all streaming across the border. If they push Ukraine into using force then Russia might see that as their excuse to march in their military.
After that NATO and Europe have a choice to allow Russia to do what they want, move in right next door and the Russians learn that NATO are bluffing and too scared to actually do anything. Or they can choose to side with Ukraine and who knows what happens next.. I think Putin is bluffing, he knows that war is a toxic issue in the west now. Meanwhile he can grab what he likes (Crimea) and make himself look good in front of his people by being in control of the situation.
What I actually see happening is NATO and Russia will make scary faces at each other, call each other a few names. Then in 6 months to a year this will be just forgotten. Just like when North Korea has its little tantrums and starts threatening everyone.
After that NATO and Europe have a choice to allow Russia to do what they want, move in right next door and the Russians learn that NATO are bluffing and too scared to actually do anything. Or they can choose to side with Ukraine and who knows what happens next.. I think Putin is bluffing, he knows that war is a toxic issue in the west now. Meanwhile he can grab what he likes (Crimea) and make himself look good in front of his people by being in control of the situation.
What I actually see happening is NATO and Russia will make scary faces at each other, call each other a few names. Then in 6 months to a year this will be just forgotten. Just like when North Korea has its little tantrums and starts threatening everyone.
