How far are NATO and Russia Preparared to go...

[Devonian]

There is currently a lot sabre rattling going on between Russia and the West over events in the Ukraine and if anything Putins reputation at home is only being solidified and increased as he is seen as a strong leader promoting and supporting mother Russia. Europe cannot even agree on the imposition of sanctions and those that have been imposed are little more than an annoyance to his mega rich cronies who are now looking to make their extravagant purchases via middle men in the East rather than the west, thereby bypassing any sanctions.

I have previously been of the view that Russia will hold onto Eastern Ukraine, everyone will throw their toys out of the pram and then it will die down with Ukraine having to accept the loss of territory.

But with several EU countries getting nervous about Putins intentions, and claims he is now practically at war with Europe, plus Putins reminder "we have nuclear weapons" and the proposed NATO rapid reaction force, is there more to all of this than meets the eye?

What do others think? I guess we may have a little bit more of an idea after this weeks NATO summit....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...onism.html