>If that were so, any country making a nuclear threat (backed by capability) would get their wish granted. Why? I said that capability is the metric. Followed

>If that were so, any country making a nuclear threat (backed by capability) would get their wish granted. Why? I said that capability is the metric. Followed by threats. Neither absolutely defines response. The primary takeaway is to NOT believe capable countries who say that they are against using them (China). When a capable nation makes the threat, only an irresponsible lunatic wouldn't take it seriously. However, a decision can be made from that starting point. In this instance, the "Russia can't win" take on why they won't engage in such an option isn't good theory in my opinion. As the invasion of Ukraine was a desperate counter-move. I believe that you are dead wrong in assuming that Russia didn't understand the probable response and outcome until now. I also think that you aren't considering the variable of even other options available to them and China. But also, that no one can credibly predict a limit to the specific desperation of arguably the most capable nuclear power in the World. Especially in the midst of an active military campaign.