The Polish foreign minister already let slip some months ago what's probably really going on behind the scenes -- the US has made it clear to Russia through back channels that any use of "tactical" nukes would be met with the uncorked arsenal of US or NATO conventional forces along the front line in Ukraine. That's, I believe, a legit red line that Russia cannot cross.
As for so-called "strategic" nuclear weapons, nobody is that stupid.
Russia knows full well what it's up against and that it's an inferior force in all respects. All the bluster from idiots like Medvedev is for domestic audiences.
What they can't take by force in Ukraine they'll ruin, covering it in minefields and destroyed cities. If they can't have it, they want it destroyed as an internal example of what happens if you try to toss off their kleptocracy. Belarus among others I'm sure are watching closely.
As for so-called "strategic" nuclear weapons, nobody is that stupid.
Russia knows full well what it's up against and that it's an inferior force in all respects. All the bluster from idiots like Medvedev is for domestic audiences.
What they can't take by force in Ukraine they'll ruin, covering it in minefields and destroyed cities. If they can't have it, they want it destroyed as an internal example of what happens if you try to toss off their kleptocracy. Belarus among others I'm sure are watching closely.