Putin's threats about use of nuclear weapons, may be real or may be bluffing.
Either way, these threats are having a dampening effect on the response of the West.
For example, would the West be more willing to respond to Ukraine's request for a no fly zone, were it not for fear of a nuclear response?
I believe it would.
Putin's threats can be used against him to Ukraine's benefit, as follows:
China's Chairman Xi is the only person who can influence Putin, given their close relationship and shared global objectives.
China will play the events in Ukraine to their advantage, and can not be relied upon to do the right thing. China will draw things out, in the belief the West won't have staying power.
China needs to be put in an awkward position, in order to do the right thing.
Given Putin's many threats about the use of nuclear weapons, Chairman Xi would no doubt have sought out assurances from Putin that he has no plans to use nuclear weapons.
President Zelensky, along with other global leaders (Biden, Trudeau, etc.) should publicly call out China, and ask what assurances Chairman Xi received from Putin about his use of nuclear weapons.
To be effective and to put Xi in an awkward spot, this should be done in the name of the people of China..
The people of China need to hear from their dear leader whether such assurances have been received and whether Chairman Xi believes they can be relied on.
This would totally undermine Putin, both in the eyes of the world, but also in the eyes of the people of Russia.
In addition, President Zelensky and other global leaders should publicly tell China that China and Chairman Xi will be held responsible by the world community, should Russia resort to the use of nuclear weapons.
China shouldn't think it can stand idly by, while Russia threatens the use of nuclear weapons, since their use would be as devastating for China, as it will be for those in the West and the rest of the world
Such an approach, would change the balance of play between Ukraine and Russia and will accelerate the resolution of this war at the negotiating table.
