Actually it's the other way round. The statement serves as a warning to those smart asses that would want to start a conventional battle, thinking Russians wouldn't take it too far and give in, in the end. For these wise guys, the warning is clear, do not mess with Russia, else the response would be one ... Nuclear! If that doesn't hammer the message into the wise ass adventurists, then it's clear they (the ones who want a fight with Russia) have lost their marbles.
Their M.O is to use Black-Ops, Clandestine proxies and so on, to carry out politically divisive hits. Stirring up $hit to the extent that it would provoke a response that would (according to them) make Russia look like the aggressor.
Same old mind games, deception ... it's getting a bit old now.