The threat of mass extinction with only a few survivors scrounging around for food, shelter and water is very real. It's true that Russia's nuclear weaponry is outdated, but there are several studies that have shown that all it takes it ONE OUTDATED NUKE, to detonate and it will forever change that County's ability to nurture it's inhabitants.
The thing that most never take into account is the radiation fallout that can be dispersed by the wind for hundreds even thousands of miles and causing havoc to both humans and animals-------and water supply and food.
It immediately bars anyone from going in to help anyone. And all medical personal will be protected like precious Gold and they will not allow any medical personal to enter the area at the risk of losing them. In other words, every human in the location of radiation fallout is doomed to get no help, and can only expect a slow agonizing death.
Here is a simple example.