"I wouldn't go as far as to say WW3, but I will say Cold War 2....or Cold War 2: The Reckoning :) Kosovo's declaration of independence is a direct slap in the face of Russia. Our quick un-negotiated recognition of Kosovo's independence is also a slap in the face of Russia. Putin cannot let this stand. If he does not marshall his army and march it into Kosovo alongside the Serbians, then he will lose face for his entire nation and Russia's influence in Eastern Europe and it's status as a power will be reduced to nothing. This is a test of Russia's resolve. I anticipate a bloody war that may directly involve American Troops if we do not abandon our bases in Kosovo before the Russian tanks move across the border. Recognizing Kosovo was probably the single most profoundly stupid act this administration has done. We had absolutely nothing to gain and we have everything to lose by doing it. We could literally have Russian troops and American troops engaged in direct bloody conflict before Summer. That will not be a Cold War. I think that the Bear may be awakened from its slumber. I pray that it doesn't happen, but I don't see how it can't. Russia has too much to lose by allowing this to stand."
I agree that Russia needs to make a firm stand, but Putin has a major difficulty in making a military stand with troops and tanks. He would have to get transit rights from a neighboring state to get to Serbia. He has no direct land or sea route to Serbia. Therefore, he may be relegated to action in the UN and moral and financial support in the near term.
Therefore, he may be relegated to action in the UN and moral and financial support in the near term.I don't see Putin doing that. Russia has always used the UN to block US action, but has never used it to approve its own actions.
He would have to get transit rights from a neighboring state to get to Serbia. He has no direct land or sea route to Serbia.
I suspect he would have no qualms about using Albanian airspace to accomplish that objective. I don't think Putin is going to be asking the surrounding countries for permission to fly over their countries. He's just going to do it.
This could get really ugly.