I can’t think of any articles, though I’m sure there are many. My own thoughts are that with ICBM’s, what you are doing is threatening each other, USA V Russia, U.K. V Russia etc. With the newer short range (300km) missiles or cruise missiles carrying nuclear warheads, what Russia can do is to have tactical force, and threaten the Baltic states or Poland without employing conventional forces. It reminds me of the time we were all talking about neutron bombs. It’s similar to that out in the South China Sea where China has dug in on its newly created military islands and wants to threaten anyone who interferes. Short range nuclear devices to take out America’s aircraft carriers and escorts would be perfect. Obviously all sides have been developing these anyway, but by pulling out it may help to restart the negotiation. The same happened when Reagan threatened ‘Star Wars’ technology and brought Russia back to the table......
What you have to remember is that if Russia or China destroyed Poland or even US ships, the USA populace would not support nuclear action unless New York was wiped out......