Although Moscow may hope the threat of war alone will attain its goals, it has already proven its willingness to fight in Ukraine. A Russian military offensive would have horrific immediate effects and risk escalation as NATO countries that have vocally supported Ukraine respond with a range of tools. Russia is deeply unhappy with the current security/political order in Europe. Call it insecurity, call it status, call it sour grapes. Result is the same. Russia sees the escalation spiral since 2014 as part and parcel of a process ongoing since 1991, if not before—one of intentional weakening of Russia. They’re…
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