If NATO sends too large of a force then the Soviets will wipe it out using tactical nukes, just like they planned to do during the Cold War. We can’t afford to lose all our ground forces in the opening stages of the war. This force is really just a tripwire which will commit the participating nations to war once the Soviets attack it.
There is no Soviet Union any longer, so I’m guessing that you’re referring to the Russian Federation, yes?
Once he secures his “New Russia” He will rest for a while—maybe head east or down to Moldovia. This reaction force is symbolic only—symbols only work if you have faith in them. Putin knows Europe doesnt give a Kopec about Ukraine. Once the border is redrawn—he will sign a new treaty and all will be back to normal—while Putin turns his new lands into resorts.
Exactly.