There is little doubt that Putin has held back and was completely opposed to war in Ukraine. This has to be seen as the provocation that Putin can't ignore.Putin is ready to announce the liberation of East Ukraine!!
So the question becomes, just how resolute and determined is Putin to prevent Nato in Ukraine, and on Russia's border?
Is this the final straw that he won't allow?
And does Germany have a clear-eyed view of the reality of the situation?
The time has come for UN involvement, but is that possible now with US veto?