I think you’re missing my original point.
Recall that this article was all about the Russian build up and military maneuvers near Ukraine and/or Russian anxiety over NATO expansion.
What I was saying is that Russia is very sensitive to any perceived threats in the “buffer” states that border their country. The recent crescendo of concerns expressed by the administration and some European countries underscore their belief that Russia could launch some type of offensive in the region. Its Russia’s backyard and I have no doubt they could do it. Something like Crimea could well happen again without bringing the U.S. and Russia close to Armageddon.
I don’t dispute the fact that our fleet of boomers is a formidable deterrent. But another thing I think you’re missing is that neutralizing Russia’s boomers also poses a very difficult challenge to us. It’s well known that they can deploy their ballistic missile submarines into the Arctic, which is a very difficult environment for us to operate in.
A full scale war with Russia over a relatively insignificant country like Ukraine unthinkable IMO. Neither country would let things go that far IMO. As you said, the Russians are not crazed people. But they are obsessive about their borders and they can project power to achieve their desired objectives.
You’re right, it seems we are talking about 2 different things.
I agree with you about Russia being paranoid about the border and it certainly is possible but probably unlikely they would invade Europe although personally I don’t give a damn. Biden would do nothing and NATO without us is useless.
I think the very last thing Russia or China wants is a direct confrontation with us. There would be no winners and as I mentioned before no one in the leadership of any of the three has a death wish.