Russia is a threat in every respect to former Soviet countries along its border. Russia can also inflict some pain to Europe by limiting or shutting off gas exports. This would only last until new sources could be established (middle east, perhaps Canada) and the price would probably go up, but in the long run it would be Russia that would suffer from lost revenues.
As far as a world war is concerned, Russia is still an extremely powerful country but it couldn't stand alone. It would need at least one ally of similar strength (China?) to pose a world-wide threat.
No, the US is much more of a threat. What you here about Russia "invading" Ukraine is totally false, in fact it is the US who is destroying Ukraine.
Yes. Russia poses a real and present danger to any country along its borders which opposes its policies. For most of its history this has been the case, it's borne of paranoia and exacerbated by what happened in WW2 when their one-time Nazi freinds stabbed them in the back.
Yes. Although Putin wants Ukraine to be solved peacefully he tacitly supports the rebels. I have noticed that he has been in power too long and has no accountability, which is dangerous for others.
Vladimir Putin is afflicted with aging, with ego, and with being very short---not a good combination when going through the mid-life crisis. There will be intense discussion among world leaders, headed by President Obama, at the NATO summit this week on how to rein in Putin or convince the hardline egomaniacal leader to "play hero" by doing the three simple things asked of him by the Obama team: (a) Negotiate the release of Ukrainian hostages; (b) Request and then fully back a cease-fire; and (c) Stop sending equipment, troops, and weapons into Ukraine. Putin is fond of doing an "in your face" type of "tough guy" stance before he gives in---the mouse who ROARS before admitting he is a mouse. The economic sanctions are taking their toll on the Russian economy in ways he does not want to admit, so he does his banty rooster puff-up and strut to play "Mr. Macho" rather than admit he is hurting.
Shame that the Republicans blocked President Obama's nominee to be Russian ambassador. I think Putin will try to make everyone THINK he is a threat, but like another short tyrant Kim Jong Un, this is just a strategy designed to give him more power at the bargaining table.
Do I think so,..... yes.
Do I hope so,.....?
I'm all for whatever collapses Liberalism Worldwide.
I'm all for whatever collapses Multiculturalism and Diversity.
Needless to say, I'm near the end of my rope,
Putin has achieved what he wanted. He has got the Crimea. Now there is no chance of him losing his port on the Black Sea. Mission accomplished.
UK is threat to Russia
Russia is like a mad dog. The best the West can do is to leave it alone, let it thrash about until it gets tired and falls asleep.
they could be. if they attack a nato nation like estonia or georgia then nato will be forced to act and that widen and escalate the conflict very quickly.
Thinking otherwise is the easiest way to start WW3
While ever Putin is in power, yes!
To the US/EU probably not in the short term, to Ukraine and the other former USSR states, absolutely.
To?
