Putin has a Ph.D. in economics, which explains Fortress Russia's success. The Russian government began preparing for sanctions and isolation after the 2014 US intervention in Ukraine.

The media and politicians stated Putin was risk-averse until they relabeled him as an impulsive madman in 2022. Yet, the US expected to confiscate billions when it locked Russia out of the Swift Bank, which Russia anticipated and recouped.

The sanctions impact Russians, but not as harshly as expected because some governments think that far in advance.

I assume the US has more nukes than claimed, and the cut costs to increase profit model degrades safety protocols. It's scary as hell, and did you hear about Hawaii's nuclear attack warning a fear years ago? Authorities notified Hawaiians to take cover because this was not a drill when someone misunderstood a message. Imagine the sheer terror of trying to collect your kids and wife to find a place to escape a nuclear attack.