It feels like Ukraine is Buffer Fodder

[herding cats]

14. If we go in I'd expect all of Ukraine to be decimated first.

That would be the first play by Putin. I'm not afraid of him nuking the world, but I do think he's got plans to completely destroy Ukraine, Moldova and the better part of Romania before we stop him. Serious damage to life in Poland as well before he's stopped.

Then, of course there will be the loss of life from all the NATO members as we fight Russia.

He's just that evil.

For what it's worth, I expect this outcome. It's what Putin is attempting and feels like it still may happen. He's saving his military hoping for an escalation he can use as his glory moment. His opus.

I don't think he's looking for a nuclear war, but rather a slaughter of as many NATO nations in an all out end game of his regime. The nuclear bluster is bullshit, the same as how sanctions, military aid, etc. is an act of war. He's trying so very hard to escalate this beyond Ukraine. His message is, he wants more. He's just not getting it yet.

On edit: I'm not an expert. I'm not a geopolitical professional and I'm not playing one on the internet. All opinions are my own.