WILKES-BARRE — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has a high risk of major casualties, especially if it becomes a long-term insurgency against a Russian puppet regime. Sanctions could hurt the west as much as Russia. Putin’s history suggests he will not attack any other country for some time after this. And the invasion could backfire badly on Putin by not only strengthening resolve — and defense spending — of NATO nations, but by convincing more countries to joint the alliance.