First, it's Putin, not Russia. Second, he's not itching to use tactical nukes as that will show his hand and there's a good chance that some of their nukes won't work as advertised due to corruption throughout all their systems.

What Putin enjoys doing is threatening to use tactical nukes in the hope that no-one calls his bluff.

> it's Putin, not Russia

It’s Putin and Moscow, that population has gone all in on this nonsense.

> What Putin enjoys doing is threatening to use tactical nukes in the hope that no-one calls his bluff

Fair enough. But the threat has been real and explicit. Which gives cover for someone else who actually wants to use them.