A military strategic question

[mapuc]

Originally Posted by kraznyi_oktjabr

Well its unlikely that there would be large scale conflict between NATO and Russia. However current signal from Obama essentially gives Russia free hands in dealing with its interests in Ukraine. Sanctions are unlikely to change Russia's plans if it sees annexation of East Ukraine or installation of puppet regime into Kiev as being within its interest. Word IF is important here as I'm still not sure what Putin's objective exactly is.

In short: no bloodshed for western countries, only for Ukrainians and perhaps Russians.

EDIT: Question for you: How would you demand Putin to essentially declare defeat if there is no serious consequences for ignoring such demands?

I really don't know

As all of you wrote there will not be any NATO/US troops in Ukraine if Russia decide to invade. Mostly it wil be a raised fingers or two and some raised voices in EU and USA.

I convinced that Putin would take these sign as a "Do as you like no one will stop you"

Markus