This is why we have to make sure the Ukraine doesn't not fall. The stakes are way too high -  If russia could, they could launch war on the Baltic Countries from the Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, while closing the Suwalki Corridor. Devastating the Ukraine - is just "terrorism", meant to intimidate the Baltic countries from resisting them invading them, too. That way, the fighting isn't done in russia - moscow etc are still safe, they feel.

Don't doubt it - I just think that Pres Trump should go ahead and put on the sanction screws to russia now, because it's inevitable - but china/nk/iran will still defy the sanctions and keep russia going.

Russia is saying here - that they will go to WWIII if they have to - to become a world power again like the old soviet union was.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-says-nato-threatens-wwiii-latest-deterrence-plan-could-take-down-kaliningrad-faster-than-ever

Russia says NATO threatens WWIII in latest deterrence plan that could take down Kaliningrad ‘faster than ever’

Focus returns to strategic corridor separating Russia from Belarus