I was just pointing out that a downed plane doesn't automatically trigger WW3. See for example the lawful (but provocative) downing of a russian plane by Turke

I was just pointing out that a downed plane doesn't automatically trigger WW3. See for example the lawful (but provocative) downing of a russian plane by Turkey. The retaliation from Russia was basically just words and some economic sanctions. I'm not sure if the leader of US or Russia can order a first strike without inbound missiles from the other side. Would the military execute a first strike knowing what the response of the other side would be?