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 adversity.

The term is still used in Russian today, broadly denoting people who are particularly heroic or physically strong. And though Ukraine, BelarusBelarus is an eastern European state that is a close ally of Russia. Run by Alexander Lukashenko, it is known as "the last dictatorship in Europe". and Russia all claim Kievan Rus as their origin, Russia has taken the bogatyr as a towering figure in its national mythmaking.

It holds a powerful resonance in the Russian Federation. Many believe that Vladimir PutinRussia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.'s success was built partly on this resonance: the president's approval ratings have consistently spiked during wartime, supposedly because of his appearance as a strong and masculine leader able to ward off attacks from foreign adversaries.

Putin, who has mostly stayed in the KremlinA central fortress in a city, used to refer to a complex in Moscow with five palaces and four cathedrals. The Russian government is run from within this citadel. and across his eight palaces since war began, may appear less than suitable for the role of a heavily muscled national war hero. But now, his ability to safeguard the Russian people is also under threat.

Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of a drone incursion on their capital, Moscow, early yesterday morning. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that two people were mildly injured in the attacks, in which eight drones were shot down or diverted by security forces (though others claim it may have been as many as 30).

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.. Kyiv, 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. Ukraine's head of military intelligence Gen Kyrylo Budanov issued a vow of revenge on Moscow, saying "our answer will not be long".

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 And just days ago, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko promised nuclear weapons to any country which chooses to allyA country that has agreed to support another one. with Russia and Belarus. 

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. , calling it "nuclear brinksmanship."² Many agree, stating that it is likely that empty threats are being leveraged to bolster Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

There is evidence to support this. This is not Putin's first rodeo. Conflicts in ChechnyaA republic of Russia situated in the North Caucasus. It is home to indigenous Chechens, mostly of Muslim faith. , Georgia and Syria were all carried out under his premiership. And though nuclear escalation has been a ubiquitousEverywhere. threat almost synonymous with Putin's rule, he has never yet pulled the plug.

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 clammy 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.