Vadimir Putin's next legitimate military target is Latvia.

As the Russians continue to make steady progress in their winter offensive, and as the prospects for continued aid to Ukraine from NATO wither on the vine, it's becoming clear what Russia's next legitimate military target will be -- Latvia. Latvia bars clear access to Kaliningrad, which is a part of Russia, and Russia would like that situation rectified. They don't need all of Latvia, but, they do need a viable rail link to their territory in Kaliningrad. If this can be arranged by peaceful negotiations, all the better. If not, then some type of military action by Russia, will, of course, be necessary. Now, of course, from the standpoint of NATO, this would be an attack on a clear NATO member, and would trigger Article 5. So, what exactly would NATO do about it? I think that is far from clear. I could certainly imagine them doing nothing whatsoever, as long as the territory demanded was fairly limited. I cannot imagine a massive call-up of troops in France, Germany, Italy and Britain on Latvia's account, let alone in the U.S. I could certainly imagine some arms being sent, but, the fighting in such a small country would probably be over rather quickly. Then what? I would imagine that Russia probably could get what if wanted from Latvia, and hold onto it, NATO membership or no. I can't really see a perpetual state of war existing between all NATO members and Russia merely over a corridor to Kaliningrad, if that's all Russia wants, and that's all Russia takes. Sure, NATO might formerly refuse to acknowledge the Russian acquisition of territory in Latvia, but, who really cares? I'm sure the Russians don't. So, sometime within the next three to five years, I would say the Russians will get their corridor to Kaliningrad through Latvia, by hook, or by crook. And, NATO won't really do a damn thing about it.