Putin's Nuclear Threat

I do not think the modern incarnation of Napoleon who has launched the worst war of aggression in Europe since 1945 is bluffing. I also believe that the US and the West must not cave in to Putin's bullying. 

Mutually assured destruction is as powerful a deterrent now as it was when the Communists ruled the USSR. Putin might be sick or even dying, but I doubt he wants to hasten his demise in a glowing mushroom cloud. Whatever damage Russia might unleash on their enemies through an atomic attack would be countered with a response that would mean the end of Russia and with that, the end of their little Caesar.