Modern nuclear weapons are way more efficient, of course, but the overall payload of most nuclear weapons is way lower than it was during the cold war.

I know that the destruction of industry and infrastructure, chaos, and loss of lives isn't in a vacuum, and there is a metric-shit ton of overlap. I never said it was going to be easy or that the loss of life wouldn't not be tragic.

I don't think it's wishful thinking, it's what I've been reading about China's technological capability, and Russia to a lesser extent. Again, not saying that China or Russia are invincible, and I think that neoliberals commentators have a huge tendency to downplay or underestimate Russia. Russia is a fucking workhorse, and while it still takes massive effort and loss and labor and resource intensity, keep in mind that the special military operation is relatively small in the grand scheme of things. I figure that Russia's full potential hasn't even begun to be utilized or unleashed yet, and Russia is saving it's best toys and shit for when it truly needs them. The problems in the early phase of the SMO were caused by some combination of corruption and underestimating NATO's support for Ukraine, but the cuffs are off now. Unless I'm missing something, Russia's SMO is still only a partial mobilization.

Imminent potential destruction is one thing that motivates Russia as a whole, for the better part of a century now, roughly speaking.

I've been reading reports about the SMO lately, and I'm continuously surprised by Russia's thriftiness and multi-faceted approach to countering Ukraine/NATO.

I don't claim to be a military expert, and I understand the situation is extremely dire, and I always advocate being prepared and reasonable and assuming the worst, but I think that time and reality is on our side, for now.