There is a figure in East Slavic folklore called the "bogatyr". Supposedly derived from ballads and epics from Kievan RusThe first East Slavic state that existed in Eastern and Northern Europe from the 9th to the 13th Century. , bogatyrs are warriors and warlords with superhuman bravery, spiritual power and persistence in the face of adversityHard times or difficulties. .

The term is still used in Russian today, broadly denoting people who are particularly heroic or physically strong.

It holds a powerful resonance in the Russian Federation. Vladimir PutinRussia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.'s approval ratings have consistently spiked during wartime, supposedly because of his appearance as a strong leader able to ward off attacks from foreign countries.

Putin may appear less than suitable for the role of heavily muscled national war hero. But now, his ability to safeguard the Russian people is also under threat.

Russian authorities have accused UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. of a drone incursion on their capital, Moscow, early on Tuesday morning. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that two people were mildly injured in the attacks.

Despite the lack of serious damage, politician Maxim Ivanov dubbed it the most serious assault on Moscow since the NazisA German political party of the twentieth century, led by Adolf Hitler. The Nazis controlled Germany from the early 1930s until the end of World War II.. KyivThe capital of Ukraine., despite denying involvement, said nonetheless that "we are pleased to watch".

It comes as Russia renews its assault on Ukraine's capital with a vengeance, bombing Kyiv 17 times in May alone, and mostly at night as its residents sleep. 

Many think that this marks a turning point. As Putin fails to gain headway in Ukraine, some think he is growing closer to going nuclear. And with Russians worried about further incursions on their territory, it may take a strong gesture to restore Putin's authority.

Both Putin and his cronyA close friend or companion, often used in an insulting way. Sergey Lavrov have stated that Moscow would have the right to resort to its arsenal of 4,477 nuclear weapons if they felt that Russia was under existential threat.¹

Some suggest that Putin may be pursuing a policy of "escalate to de-escalate", threatening nuclear attacks as a way to force Ukraine and its allies to capitulateGive in. . Many concur, stating that it is likely that empty threats are being leveraged to bolster Russia's invasion of Ukraine.²

But others think we must pay heed to his threats. Putin's finger is just inches away from the nuclear button, and if war spreads to Russian territory, he may see pushing it as his only chance of survival.

Yes: Russia's whole nuclear arsenal rests in the grip of a dictatorial warlord. We are teetering on the brink of a nuclear war every day.

No: Putin is only holding the threat of nuclear war above our heads as a way to show that he is willing to escalate his invasion to extremes. But he stands to lose just as much in a nuclear war. He is all bark and no bite.

Or... Although Putin as a person would probably be willing to risk it all, it is unlikely that any of his aides would let it happen. Using nuclear weapons would destroy Russia's partnership with China and risk a full-blown world war.