so what is this, brinkmanship? something more or something less? empty threats? but i think after the dramatic events we've seen in recent days, it would be unwise to dismiss these signals from the kremlin. a pointed message to the west — don't push russia. president putin summoned his military chiefs and gave them an order. translation: top officials of leading nato countries i are making aggressive statements about our country. therefore, i'm ordering the minister of defense and the chief of the general staff to put the strategic nuclear forces on special alert. would putin really use them? he practised a week ago overseeing exercises of russia's strategic deterrence forces. typically unsubtle hints to america and nato not to stand in his way over ukraine. this is now an age