[url=http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-25/here-are-three-russias-military-options-ukraine-complete-maps]On Thursday, Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of “grave crimes” by assaulting pro-Russian militants. Ukraine’s Prime Minister accused Russia of preparing to invade, and of “wanting to start World War III.” Nothing is inevitable, but what military options does Russia have?[/url] It's worth checking out the maps and risk assessment in the article, but here's a short summary. [b]1. Shock and awe[/b] [quote]An all-out attack would be the obvious option if the goal is to immediately occupy all of eastern and southern Ukraine: the regions with the largest Russian populations. NATO has assessed that Russia has the capacity to penetrate as far as Odessa in the southwest of the country, and to Transdnistria, the pro-Russian breakaway enclave in neighboring Moldova.[/quote] [b]2. Limited intervention[/b] [quote]Many analysts are predicting a more limited operation, under the pretext of "peacekeeping" or "humanitarian" objectives. This would involve deploying just enough force to secure one or two provinces: Donetsk and Luhansk are the obvious targets given the level of unrest there. Small, lightly armed forces could, within hours, seal off the few main roads, and then go on the defensive, digging in against any potential counter attacks. Any Ukrainian units within the cordon would be surrounded and isolated. The goal would be to avoid conflict and bloodshed, with the goal perhaps of enabling a "referendum" — as was done in Crimea.[/quote] [b]3. More of the same[/b] [quote]Of course, Russia could continue as it has already, continuing to destabilize Ukraine with limited involvement of disguised special forces to bolster locals where needed. This could be with a view to undermining the Kiev government to engineer a collapse perhaps, and the installation of a more friendly regime. Or it could be a prelude to secession.[/quote]