I think the real danger here is Russia could launch crippling cyber attacks in the U.S and NATO countries which could bring them to their knees. That could be viewed as an act of war.

Things could deteriorate badly in Ukraine and casualties could start to pile up massively.

That's why this is a very dangerous game. Putin holds the key. Does he really have a plan here.

He refers to history and how Ukraine has been related to Russia thus giving him justifications.

Well, what if Mexico invaded Texas and New Mexico or Britain invaded Canada?

On the other hand what if Mexico signed a treaty with Russia and he put ICBMs 100 miles south of El Paso? Oh, wait we went through that with Cuba.

By the way I entitled this thread "The Ukraine" not referring to the country title but to the situation or crisis.