Will he, wont he. Are we on the brink of War in Europe. 130000 Russian troops surround Ukraine's borders along with enough ordnance and other supplies to launch an invasion.
There's no doubt Putin wants to. He was cosying up to Ukraine years ago and offered them a 15bn dollar gift which they turned down and looked to the EU for their future. A snub Putin has never forgiven them for.
Personally I don't think he's going to do it but who knows what's in his mind.. History shows us that when all powerful dictator really want a war there's little that can be done to stop them.