Because context matters. Russia sees the annexed parts as part of Russia: > that will allow strikes on Crimea to other regions of Russia They are also saying:

Because context matters. Russia sees the annexed parts as part of Russia: > that will allow strikes on Crimea to other regions of Russia They are also saying: > and nuclear Blackmail is not only about the shelling of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant encouraged by the West What threatens a nuclear catastrophe They blame NATO and Ukraine for actions, which are Russia's doing. This is Russia's playbook. Accuse the other party of what you are doing, so that your actions are legitimate, it's Russia's version of "why are you hitting yourself". This whole statement boils down to "We could use nuclear weapons if we don't stop doing what we blame the other side for". Which is the same as threatening nuclear weapons outright. The theme of the day is, that Ukraine is preparing a dirty bomb. Which should give everyone pause, as to how far Russia might actually go.