There is a massive difference between tactical nukes and strategic ones. Not even Putin is mad enough to start a strategic nuclear war. He won't even know if his missiles have suffered the same neglect through corruption as his conventional forces did.
BTW Biden's warning about nukes referred to tactical ones. Total commitment is a given should a BIG one be used, that's what MAD is all about. Dr. Stangelove gives an idea how deterrence works.
Dr. Strangelove:
Of course, the whole point of a Doomsday Machine is lost, if you *keep* it a *secret*! Why didn't you tell the world, EH?
Ambassador de Sadesky:
It was to be announced at the Party Congress on Monday. As you know, the Premier loves surprises.
