Narlyhorn's Link
I also noted news reports that Greek and Turkish f-16s had several dogfights in at least 2 locations.
How long before NATO forces are more involved is anyone's guess.
It appears likely to me that Ukraine will either split between EU/Russia or perhaps even ceded to Russia. Either way, it should soon become clear.
As you are probably aware, Kiev has been asking for NATO forces assistance.
Article 5 requires NATO forces to aid any NATO nations attacked by another. Ukraine of course is not a NATO nation.
So it may not be likely, but is not beyond the realm of possibilities as NATO forces accumulate in NATO member nations that border Russia and Ukraine.
Neocons in Washington still have greater influence with EU and NATO nations, IMO, and therein lies the potential to violate Article 5 of the NATO/Russia council treaty.
It is interesting to watch these events play out. Putin must be laughing at the current administration in Washington and Washingtons neocon planners. As those two Washington groups, most probably disagree and squabble with each other, our foreign policy must seem like it is run by amateurs to Putin. Neocons in Washington must also be beside themselves.
At least that is how it appears from where I sit. Of course I am not a foreign policy "expert", just your casual observer. Considering how Putin's aggression in the region is so far unchecked, neither do US/EU/NATO nation foreign policy advisors appear to be very good at it either.
Ukraine and their peoples are just stuck in the middle with no apparent choice but to fight it out with each other. One side (Russia supported nationals) seeming to have the upper hand against the other side wanting autonomy and closer ties to EU/Washington.
Whether or not they have any veto powers with respect to that alliance, I would have to look that up.
They do certainly have treaties between themselves and NATO that appear to me to be in serious jeopardy.
Edit: I do believe w/o having benefit of researching the treaties in detail that you are correct that Russia has only security council veto powers. I think JTV is mistaken also.
My take on this is that although many Ukrainians want independence from Russia. They also want no part of a US backed regime under the heavy boot of an out of control US government. They no more like the taste of boot leather than do I.
I am no Putin fan but this is a good example of how US covert military and economic hegemony bodes ill for future relations between the US and former and present allies, not to mention establishing better relations with more neutral, less developed nations, in such affairs.
As the petro dollar withers on the vine, this should be becoming more clear to others as to just exactly why. Just how much longer it will be before world US Federal Reserve Currency status is more severely impacted is anyone's guess.
You can draw your own conclusions how these affairs effect the global currency markets and how they may or may not be related to efforts to deceive Americans into the belief that paper currency backed by debt is the only real money rather than gold and silver, you know, that ridiculously old widely held relic.
You might also consider why it is in the best interest of US Central Banks to peg the price of gold and silver near $1300/$20 to reduce US investment demand for the real thing as opposed to investment demand for US debt.
Yeah, I know, bat shit crazy Libertarians. Look away if you must.
Narlyhorn's Link
I should also add, do yourself a favor and periodically buy some gold and silver coins.
You accomplish two things. You are buying insurance for your families future. You are helping to bring the corrupt central banking debt model criminals to their knees.
UKRAINE NEEDS DECENTRALIZATION, MORE REGIONAL POWERS: LAVROV (Emphasis on REGIONAL)
It will be interesting to examine what that means as details of the joint agreement are disclosed in more detail.