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Likely he does not want to use them and prefer if the west just cave in and thus threatens to use them. That does not equal he would not under circumstances where he felt cornered. Just the fact that he is willing to escalate the dialogue to involve nuclear weapons is idd terrifying.
Imo tho that kind of talk will eventually lead to the negotiating table most likely and the west granting him a way out without looking like he retreated with the tale between his legs. Lets hope so at least.
There is a comment which resonates that if he wanted to use them, he wouldnt be telling people they're on special alert.