Russia has options other than full invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

Significance This adds little clarity to his intentions on Ukraine. The amassing of Russian forces still leaves ambiguity about the feasibility and desirability of full-scale invasion. US troop deployments to eastern Europe represent NATO's maximum response: there will be no deployment to Ukraine in the event of conflict. Impacts Kyiv's more restrained rhetoric on the Russian threat is out of step with Western claims. Moscow will try to widen perceived divisions within NATO and Western discord with Kyiv. The Ukrainian president's promise to expand the armed forces by 100,000 will have no near-term impact.