[OutsiderFan]

This sham referendum is an interesting play.  Once the results are announced, Ukraine is in the position of attacking "Russian soil."  Possible "justification" for use of tactical nukes on Putin's part.  Sigh.

Putin is not going to use nukes. It's all bluster. Just like the calling up of how many additional men to fight in Ukraine. 

I'm sure the Ukraine and allied military planners have ways of gaming out how to handle scenarios where there is a non zero chance of nuclear weapon use, and will be prepared to respond appropriately to anything Putin does.

Russia is going to lose in the long run. The question is just how many people die and how much damage is done before it is official. It doesn't look to me like the war is going to be too popular in Russia very much longer.

[OutsiderFan]

This sham referendum is an interesting play.  Once the results are announced, Ukraine is in the position of attacking "Russian soil."  Possible "justification" for use of tactical nukes on Putin's part.  Sigh.

Putin is not going to use nukes. It's all bluster. Just like the calling up of how many additional men to fight in Ukraine. 

I'm sure the Ukraine and allied military planners have ways of gaming out how to handle scenarios where there is a non zero chance of nuclear weapon use, and will be prepared to respond appropriately to anything Putin does.

Russia is going to lose in the long run. The question is just how many people die and how much damage is done before it is official. It doesn't look to me like the war is going to be too popular in Russia very much longer.