I have been staying out of this simply because its basically a political thread.

I am however going to state a military observation. "IF" war were a game of chess, Putin is only playing with his ponds so far if you will...troops, tanks, artillery, and the such. Very few precision guided ($) weapons.

Remember our "shock and awe" bombings? That was a show of power.

Putin has not shown his power and is holding back...or is he? That is the game of chess.