That’s pretty serious if ukraine is holding the town. They can mob up to the west and create a true wedge, put artillery in range of kursk, and hopefully push east to dismantle russian defenses from behind. This is bad bad bad for russia.
I believe I saw a story about a Russia state media person proposing using tactical nukes on their own territory. I don't think they actually would, but Russia may... Let the enemy group up in your own territory, and nuke it... other than humanitarian concerns for their own citizens, other countries ability to complain would be dulled if they were nuking their own internationally recognized territory.
Honestly, probably a great tactic to act as a deterrent in future wars (such as with the US).
I've caved by the end of this message... no sane person would, but I wouldn't call Russia's current government sane.