Analysis: what can the west expect if Putin gives order to invade?

Rapid Russian success is not assured despite its overwhelming fire power, and the consequences of attack could be economically crippling

Exploiting its overwhelming superiority in land, sea and air forces, Russia is expected to attack simultaneously on several fronts, from the north-east, the Donbas and Crimea. Ground troops in Belarus, backed by airstrikes, would spearhead a lightning drive south to seize the capital, Kyiv. Ukraine's encircled army would be forced, in theory, to surrender.