One of the premier problems with "brinkmanship", is that it doesn't have and end game. It's a deliberate and intentional ride down the slippery slope, and it's primarily predicated on the idea that "the other guy" will turn away first in this deadly game of international "chicken".

In this case, it's especially foolish because Russia and Putin clearly see this entire affair for what it is,; An existential threat to their sovereignty and future existence. Basically, for the US it's a fun, low risk "away game" whereby they can try things they'd never try in a home game. For Europe, "away" isn't nearly as far, and for Russia, this is a home invasion at 3:00 in the morning.

Brinkmanship isn't going to work, because for Russia, it's zero sum, binary- continue to prevail and exist, or lose, and cease to be a nation state.

There is no scenario where Russia will "lose", because losing isn't an option for them. Pushed to the brink, they will nuke Ukraine, whole or in part, and if that doesn't "sit well" with some, probably, every capitol in Europe.

Love them or hate them, but never forget what they sacrificed in WWII, and the lesson it teaches us; They will go to maximum lengths to ensure their survival! They've done it before, and they WILL do it again.

Whereas here in the US, for all intensive purposes, we've never even been invaded.

The stark difference in the collective psyche of the two nations, cannot even be compared.