[vkou]

False dichotomy, there are many responses on the spectrum between 'do nothing' and 'start a war with a nuclear power'.

(Also, what about when we act like brutes? Why do other countries tolerate us? Should they not, like, get together and push back, or something?)

[bluGill]

Russia started this war - have you forgotten that they have troops in Ukraine right now?

[vkou]

I seem to have forgotten the part where the US is at war with Russia. Pray tell, what day was it declared? Should I be running for my crazy prepper bunker?

But I'm glad that you mentioned the proxy war that is being fought right now, that's one example of how you can respond to a country's bad behavior without actually starting a war with it. There are many others.