My prediction/feeling is that Russia will step in if it gets much worse than this. I don't think it would lead to WWW3 because Ukraine is not in NATO and NATO would not risk a direct confrontation with Russia in an area where Russia is at home turf so to speak.

If it does, it should help the affected areas to have a completely fair referendum with all choices present on the ballot, to decide what to do. Then respect the outcome.

I don't think Russia particularly WANTS Eastern Ukraine / Donbass, in the way it wanted Crimea. Russia didn't start any of this, but is obviously trying to use the situation to it advantage, as happened with Crimea.

If this was a game of chess, and if I hadn't read it-ogo's comments I would just say; do it Russia. NATO must be taught a lesson and Ukraine cannot be allowed to be some kind of European Syria...
But because I read his comments, I feel like it would be a violation if Russia did something.