Russo-Ukrainian War, or World War Three?

In looking at World maps of those supporting Ukrainian people with arms, and those not, one can't help but notice the parallels to allies and axis powers in the twentieth century world wars. Now, of course, for the moment, those supporting Ukraine with arms against Russia, are not in fact actively engaged in fighting the Russians. Well, some might be, voluntarily, but, not with the active support of their governments, currently. Still, the Ukraine is a very large country, with numerous common borders with NATO countries, and the fighting might well spill over into any of these NATO countries, at any time. Also, Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, and it's just possible they might take it personally if nations are supporting their enemies in the Ukraine, who are killing Russian soldiers in large numbers. So, it's just possible, that Vladimir Putin in a moment of eccentric irritation, might launch a tactical nuclear weapon or two in their general directions, with no warning at all. Why not? After all, Vladimir Putin used to be known, during his rise to power, as the "Grey Cardinal". A quietly controlled, infinitely inscrutable, master manipulator. Who would have thought, just ten years ago, that Putin would currently be leading hundreds of thousands of heavily armored Russian forces into a brutal encirclement of the Ukrainian Capitol, Kiev? No one. In addition, China, possibly the world's greatest superpower at this time, certainly is leaning towards Russia in this conflict. What if they decide to do more than "lean" towards Russia? What if China decides to actively join with Russia in a war for world domination, against the U.S. We should remember, no one was expecting World War One, in August 1914. So, the West can mumble happily about economic sanctions, and all the wonderful songs opposing the War -- remember Tom Lehrer and "The Folk Song Army"? -- but, this really might be missing the point. The experts can claim this is just another Afghanistan, and the Russians will be forced out, with heavy casualties, in ten years or so. And on one else will be seriously involved. But, remember how all the "experts" claimed COVID would be gone in a year or so? So, while Western Economic Experts can express deep concern that Russia might be able to evade economic sanctions, using Bitcoin, there might be a few other things to worry about. Like that Mushroom Cloud you can see sprouting in the general direction of the military base nearest you.