They started a proxy war the minute they started flying refueling loops. This is a progression, sure, but it doesn’t really mean anything. I could see Russia pulling an Iran, maybe, as a response: flinging some missiles in the general direction of an American installation and then saying, “This matter is concluded.” But that’s about it. 

I’ve been of the personal opinion that the US’s plan is just to continue to keep this going for as long as possible, with Uncle Sam providing the goodies. I don’t think there’s a Russian regime change on the horizon, either. Nobody really wants peace, and Russian ineptitude guarantees there will be no real victory. And I think the powers that be are fine with that.