Ukraine/Russia/NATO

I never do that, given the chance, anyone can not just step in it but jump in with both feet.

I too hope it doesn't go bad.

I wonder if its a remanent of the schism between catholic and orthodox churches?

I think the intention was there, hoping to take advantage of political upheaval, Afghan, Covid, Brexit etc. but the push back was unexpected and has probably stopped it. The bigger concern is going to be what happens in the china sea going forward. Chinese intentions are already disconcerting and movements closer politically between these too is an alarm bell.

I remember watching the 2014 D Day anniversary celebrations (which was the last big marking, for obvious reasons) and Putin was in Normandy for it. The Russian indirect contribution to success was acknowledged and rightly so. Everybody seemed to be getting on. How things can change.

Yes, it will (probably) happen.
I believe it is likely Putin will invade Ukraine.

No, I do not think it will escalate (into a "hot war").
I think most recognize former states of the USSR are within the Russian hegemony and that it is probably logistically impossible for the West to fight a conventional war there.

It is, however, very possible that we might (unintentionally) start a cyber conflict which could have calamitous effects for the world economy/order.

But I don't know that NATO could do much "on the ground" in Ukraine.
Just as Russia couldn't if the U.S. invaded... oh, I don't know, Grenada or Panama...

I try to keep in touch with world events with listening to my local radio in the morning while driving to work. Biden says this week or next that invasion will happen.

I don't want USA and Russia to go to war if it happens. You guys just pulled out of Afghanistan, the people back home don't want another war. I follow a lot of military people on social media.

A lot of them are going after all the war mongers in their comments.

What kind of comments?

How WW3 will be exciting cause the old gang is getting back together (USA, France, UK) and, George Patton was right. We should of teamed up with Hitler to beat the commies.

What warped view a lot of these young male adults have.

I think if one happens, the other will follow along shortly after....China wants Taiwan badly & if Putin moves on Ukraine, expect action in the China Sea as well.