Even direct fighting between NATO forces and Russia isn't likely to escalate to a nuclear exchange. It's unlikely that NATO would invade or occupy (actual, not

Even direct fighting between NATO forces and Russia isn't likely to escalate to a nuclear exchange. It's unlikely that NATO would invade or occupy (actual, not recently annexed) Russian territory, so it poses little existential risk to Russia or her government. The nukes will be a serious issue when the fall of Russia is imminent.