Putin threatens with nuclear war...., page-43

I hear you...it may well be an incentive to pull back from the brink....the very thought of war is incomprehensible and should be avoided at all costs...

My observations....

..the USA is a falling power at a time when Putin wants to restore Russia (with satellites) as a great power in Europe...is it brinkmanship on his part?...I don't know but if reports are correct he may use devestating force on a near neighbour should the West not treat his and Russian needs and aspirations seriously...

...my point is that Putin may have grander ambitions than simply a war with Ukraine...he would also expect sanctions to be introduced should a war be launched...

...sanctions if introduced by the West, designed to strangle and hurt the Russian economy (and its people) would crystallise an opportunity and provide a justification domestically for Putin to extend any offensive he may commit Russia to...