Putin has nothing to lose

You might say "What?" But let me repeat again: "Putin has nothing to lose" Because just think about this a moment. His long time wife divorced him in 2008. He has no "life in eternal marital bliss" to look forward to. His girlfriend has had three children by him who is a retired gymnast in Switzerland or Italy. The average male in Russia dies now by 50 to 55. So, in his own mind he is "over the hill" even though he puts on a good face and is adored by the women in his country to a greater or lesser degree.

His dream I would say as an intuitive, "Is to die in a blaze of glory" where he will be remembered as one of the truly great leaders of Russia in the last 1000 years. This is his goal. And most of these "Leaders" died in battle before their time. So, his goal is not ripe old age. His goal is to die valiently while bringing his people a larger Russian Empire.

Putin is not a diplomat or a businessman. He is more of a "Fixer". So, a fixer would want to go out like this in a blaze of glory that suits the way he wants to be remembered. His point of view at this point is not living to old age, it is dying and being remembered for all time.

To not think he would use nukes is foolish. To not think he would attack the U.S. is foolish. He is much more dangerous in this than the leader of North Korea. They by the way are best buds now. Think about this for a moment.

We have one like him in Mythology (or history) take your pick: His name was Achilles who chose to die in battle and to be remembered for all time because of it.