I also believe that the chance of bringing Europe in war is very small.
I agree on this.
Yes, they have turned their back more than once but we never had nuclear weapons before. If EU has to participate in war, then it means that the whole NATO is in conflict.
Indeed. Just nuclear weapons are there only to scare the enemies, not to be used. If they are being used, both EU, US and Russia will be in big shit.
Even if the USA turns their back, NATO in war is an enough reason for Russia and allies to attack the USA. I think that their biggest interest is to damage the US instead of EU.
Russia is afraid of USA, I don't think that they afford to even try damaging USA.
Unlike (parts of) EU, USA doesn't depend on Russian oil and gas, hence not afraid to give the appropriate answer if hurt. If Putin touches USA, it's game over for him.
His only chance with USA is political. He needs as POTUS somebody willing to close his eyes on the crap he's doing un Ukraine, hence his war on that side is informational.
I can't imagine Russia and EU having war against each other and none of them complaining or dragging the USA in the conflict.
EU complaining may or may not have effect, depending on the POTUS.
This you cannot imagine can easily be political cards for .. well, politicians.
Putin has mentioned many times how he wants to strike the US. In one of his conference, he showed the demonstration of rocket that could reach one of US state from Russia.
Whatever Putin says doesn't mean shit. He was lying all the time, plus the war has shown that Russia has lying about his military power.
I can't imagine nuclear war without dragging US and if there is a war, there will be nuclear.
Imho it can become nuclear only when Putin decides it's all over for him.
Putin attacking NATO countries and US stepping in can become such a scenario, but I don't find it likely; not Putin and NATO try to be careful on that, at least for now, until the elections.