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Others suggest that the conflict may be a miscalculated gamble on Putin’s part, reflecting a fraught international environment characterized by direct confrontation with NATO allies. With Russia’s military facing mounting challenges, the potential for operational miscalculations increases, especially if Moscow feels its survival is threatened.

An Uncertain Path Forward

What does the future hold? While there can be compelling arguments for the immediate threat of nuclear conflict, there is also a possibility that these threats remain largely rhetorical. Despite the perilous nature of Putin's professed intentions, the risk of mutual assured destruction—wherein any nuclear strike would elicit a retaliatory strike—still exerts a degree of restraint on nuclear decision-making.