Very dangerous times for sure.
I don't know wtf Europe is thinking. Even if they hate Russia is it worth endangering the whole of humanity? And it's not just Europe, the US is intimately involved in fighting Russia. I don't know enough history to understand where this extremely intense Russophobia comes from. Do you have any thoughts on it obsidian? I'm a Finn and I understand the Finns still remember the last war but for a time relations were good. Europe is saying "we have to go to war with Russia in 2029" and "we have to be prepared to sacrifice like Europe did in WWII." WTF. Meanwhile polls say most won't fight for their country in case there is a war, morale and patriotism is low to say the least LOL. I wouldn't fight either, I'd just try to save my ass and I'm not the least ashamed to admit it.
I don't think using nukes is a good idea. would give others the idea that using tactical nukes is OK, that's if the first use didn't lead to MAD. The whole point of nukes should be that you don't use them. I hear the Russians are somewhat worried that they might be struck first in a preemptive attack.
Do you think Russia is leading in, for example, missile technology? They have the Burevestnik for example. Then there is the underwater Poseidon. I think the US just now tested their first hypersonic missile.