Let’s get real. If Russia attacks Poland, all of NATO, including the US, will join in. Russia cannot defeat Ukraine; it will have no chance against all of NATO. Nor are Russia’s nukes a threat since NATO has their own. Russia would not dare to actually use them. As for the war being existential for Russia’s survival, how does an independent Ukraine threaten Russia? It is Ukraine that is fighting for its survival, not Russia.
You don’t seem to get it yet or you’re ignoring the obvious as to where we appear to be heading. Both Europe and our deep state want war with Russia and the only thing holding this back so far has been Trump’s election. Trump is now providing the bare minimum in arms to Ukraine to keep this thing going. I’m sure in Trump’s mind he sees this as a negotiating tactic to compel Russia to a peace deal but that will only happen on Russia’s terms. Ukraine and Europe want no part off any peace deal and NATO members are preparing for war.
The ball is in Trump’s hand now and whatever transpires depends on what he decides going forward. I’m hoping Trump stops this before things go any further but who knows at this point what he will ultimately do. But seeing how intent the West is on war with Russia chances are we are headed towards world war.