More PROJECTION from the Neocons since they’re talking about sending in NATO troops to Western Ukraine, supposedly as a ‘Peacekeeping Force’, but without agreement from both side.
So, if those troops come in to Ukraine armed, Russia considers them combatants (which they likely really would be) and thus they are fair game.
This is much more possible than most people think IMO.
Reports this morning are that Wagner has raised the Russian Flag over the center of Bakhmut and proclaiming victory.
If the Ukrainian side starts to fall apart and Russia advances, how long that takes is impossible to know, the USA will start talking about a negotiated settlement and propose “peace keeping” forces inside Ukraine to provide safe passage to Ukrainian people which will likely be troops retreating, regroup, get stronger and come back to fight again.
At that point as you suggest US Troops will become legit targets and then all hell could break loose. It will be sold to the American people, as the USA trying to achieve peace and then getting attacked by Russians.