This whole thing is worrying, but the rational reaction still is to double down and blow up another command center with even longer range and even bigger missiles. Deterrance is the only option at this point. Giving in would be way more worrying.
I guess, but also it doesn’t really change anything at this point. We can’t allow nuclear threats to be some Carte blanche that can be used to get your way. We need to resist and make clear that Russia has nothing to win in Ukraine. The opposite would be the true escalation and actors like China, North korea, Iran etc. would instantly try to copy this strategy. If Putin wants to pull the trigger that is on him only and either way I’d much rather we put a stop to it now before this idea of going nuclear establishes any further.
This would be the end of Russia really fast, Putin included. I don’t think they are stupid or suicidal on that level. And they have threatened to go nuclear for years now, there’s little reason to believe that this time is any different. And ultimately it also doesn’t change anything, we can’t let Russia bully us with their nuclear threats. Because there will never be an end and if they could conquer the world with nuclear threats they would do so. So let them prepare their missle and have nuclear drills. And send more long range missiles (looking at you Taurus).
So this is confirmation then that the storm shadow strike hit someone important?