Russia’s status as a major power increasingly relies solely on its nuclear arsenal. However, the threat of a Russian nuclear attack is being increasingly dismissed, according to the “Financial Times”. An analyst for the publication assesses that Vladimir Putin is losing his ability to intimidate the West with nuclear weapons. While this development is seen as somewhat positive, it also risks provoking the Kremlin into undertaking more audacious actions. The diminishing credibility of the nuclear deterrent poses a complex challenge for international relations. This shift could lead to unpredictable behaviour from Moscow as it seeks to reassert its influence. The analysis suggests a potentially destabilizing effect stemming from the perceived weakening of Russia’s primary power projection tool.