I understand where you're coming from Irwell, but that's helluva call. It reminds me of that Russian Roulette scene in the Deer Hunter.
He's not insane and I don't think he'd press the button, but he's in a corner and is not used to backing down, so as he would have nothing to lose, I think he'd be up for the fight. The casualties, both militarily and civilian would drastically increase to figures not even comparable with the present numbers.
While the deaths and injuries already mounting up on both sides are regretful and nobody wants to see any at all, this conflict has to be played out along the existing lines. Putin and unfortunately the Russian people, are going to find life much more difficult now with the sanctions taking a grip more and more each day.
The Russian people will never have a better chance to break free from this tyrannical leadership than now, I just hope they can.