The problem is that if we don't seriously challenge Putin he will get stronger and more emboldened. He will succeed in re-establishing the Soviet Empire, and then he will cone after the rest of Europe and the US. You know Alaska was part of Russia, and Putin wants it and more.

[independent.co.uk]

"Ukraine invasion: Would Putin press the nuclear button?" [bbc.com] The bottom line is yes, Putin is prepared to use nuclear weapons if the West resists him in Ukraine.

Yes, there is a chance that Putin the Putrid will deploy nuclear weapons, but that does not amount to a guarantee that he will do anything so totally stupid.

I don't think he needs to to take over Ukraine.

He’s not stupid. He miscalculated this time but he knows perfectly well nukes are off the table.

He miscalculated the rapid and unified response of Europe, and the gutsy resolve of the Ukranian people.
He refuses to lose face.
Therefore, like a poker player, he raises the stakes hoping other players will throw in their hands.
If that doesn't happen, he will be compelled to start using nuclear weapons - or face an ignominious climb-down, loss of political power and prosecution as a war criminal.
So what do you think?

If he has nuclear weapons, and we know that he does, there is a chance he will deploy them. My father used to say to avoid backing people into a corner.

He's 70 so he's feeling his age. If he thinks his power is over and coming to an end, he may well be willing to go out in a flash. He wouldn't care if he took 7 billion people with him.