https://www.reuters.com/world/europe...ne-2023-01-19/
MOSCOW, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, warned NATO on Thursday that the defeat of Russia in Ukraine could trigger a nuclear war.
Striking a similar tone at what he described as an anxious time for the country, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said trying to destroy Russia would mean the end of the world.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Medvedev has repeatedly raised the threat of a nuclear apocalypse, but his admission now of the possibility of Russia's defeat indicates the level of Moscow's concern over increased Western weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
OR in other words Russia now believe's they could be defeated..
I saw a quote re the sacking of the last General Sergey Surovikin and the taking over by Valery Gerasimov, that stated you do not sack Generals when you are winning, only when you are losing.