Originally Posted by
tartare
It's hard to gauge.
Cross correlate the Finnish Intelligence officer's observation about Russian bluff, bluster and threats being business as usual - with the observation by another Intel analyst that there's every sign that Putin "appears to want to live..." as in stay alive.
I share the concern about nuclear escalation - particularly WRT smaller warheads.
But if one puts oneself in Putin's shoes - their use could very quickly literally end in one being buried alive, or burned alive.
https://sgs.princeton.edu/the-lab/plan-a
Does he really want that?
No idea what goes through the dudes head. Not sure anyone does. Anyone attacking with tanks in February in that part of the world has some issues. He attests to know Russian history, yet the environment has only been a major factor in two debacles previously, 1812 and 1941, and now, 2022. I still think getting the UN to do their job would allow those around fort fumble to take their dear leader away in a straight jacket so Russia can get back to the business of cleaning up his mess. "Clean up on aisle 13" like