Depending on the source of your information, you may be confused. I will try and keep this post as factual as possible. Here is what we know already and more importantly why it is important.
It is not only Russian troops that are the aggressors. There are paramilitary troops with no identifying insignia that are the most well-known televised and probably the most dangerous. Although they may be funded in part or even in full by Russia, they are independent and are not beholden to a specific commander. This is what makes them the most dangerous. Imagine if you will, if Blackwater in Iraq had decided to annex the Oil Fields. Although they are getting paid by the U.S. if a rogue soldier fires a shot, it is NOT a declaration of war although it may lead to it.
Russia is supporting these troops and have contributed arms and personnel in order to do so. They are doing this for two main reasons. First, the ousted President-whom is still the technical leader of Ukraine- has asked Russia to do so. Secondly, Russia is protecting their national interests. Specifically, their port in Sevastopol. The Crimean PM is loyal to Russia and also apparently requested Russia to intervene.
Imagine if you will a giant game of Risk. The former leader was loyal to Russia, the new one will not be. This strategic port that Russia leases from Ukraine can be given to Turkey instead, a NATO member.
Speaking of NATO, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania have invoked Article 4. Essentially, any NATO member country can do so when they feel threatened. It essentially demands an emergency meeting. This was done primarily to warn Putin not to pull a Hitler and capitalize on his strategic gains.
Putin is not Hitler. This should go without saying but the western media seem inclined to make this comparison. Putin has intervened in Ukraine with the permission of their ousted President in order to protect the population that is loyal to Russia-or so he claims. This is NOT a humanitarian intervention. If it were, they would have intervened when citizens were getting sniped in the streets. Putin's motives have already been explained. This was a strategic decision. He capitalized on his current geo-political decision, knowing that the new government was leaning to the west, this was the most logical thing to do, according to game theory.
This will NOT lead to World War 3. The warnings made by western leaders stress diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions. I have yet to hear any nation recommend military action. Putin also apparently just received the blessing of China. Ukraine is NOT a NATO country, as such there is no one that is forced to defend them.
The situation may escalate but it is unlikely. The U.S. and specifically Obama would rather use his political capital earning his Peace Prize by finally establishing peace in the Middle East. Putin has already secured the port in Sevastopol. Nothing will change, until something changes.
If the situation evolves, I will post more information. Thank you for taking the time to become better informed. I hope reading this was worth your time.
