The idea a pretext is needed is silly. Of course every government at war does it, but the decision to use doesn't vest on the false premise, it's simply what they want to do.
The decision to use tactical nukes has irrevocable consequences which Russian government and military forces would be insane to bring on. It speaks volumes that we've returned to a state of affairs where it has to be said.
Chemical warfare is abhorrent, but has been partially normalised by Russian backed forces in Syria. To believe an accusation of impending use by Ukraine justifies tactical nuclear response is to pile delusional logic on a false premise.
A pretext is needed since Russia needs to dupe people into feeling okay enough to press the button. They can't say: "We will do this as an unprovoked unilateral act of aggression because we feel powerful enough to and the other side is weak and defenseless and we want their territory. Just do it." That doesn't get the soldiers to press the button. These nuclear buttons don't press themselves, you know.
all this is in "how to be evil" 101 level courses, all dictators know this stuff.
Button pressers don't have to be duped, they're selected and trained to do this on command. The problem is the higher command and distribution of the weapons, not firing them.
The decision to use tactical nukes has irrevocable consequences which Russian government and military forces would be insane to bring on. It speaks volumes that we've returned to a state of affairs where it has to be said.
Chemical warfare is abhorrent, but has been partially normalised by Russian backed forces in Syria. To believe an accusation of impending use by Ukraine justifies tactical nuclear response is to pile delusional logic on a false premise.
Also normal.