So were the Baltic States, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova or Belarus.
But then the Soviet Union collapsed. Just like the Russian Federation will do.
Who said anything about a nuclear war?
The West has 2 tried and tested options, which worked nicely during Cold War 1:
1) To ruin Russia through sanctions (that is happening now, and won't stop until Crimea is returned);
2) To fight one or several proxy wars, like in Afghanistan.
The Ukrainians are "Fascists thirsty for Russian blood" so as long as the West would supply them with weapons they'll gladly send all those fine young Russians back home in wooden boxes.
Actually what we should be discussing is:
1) In how many pieces would Russia break next;
2) How many of those states would join the EU and how many would become Chinese protectorates.