Russia before the Ukraine conflict. A Christian democracy, rich in culture, sport, natural resources and with a history of breaking the back of invading European, Ottoman and Scandinavian armies. A leader who regards Russians as European and expressed a wish to join the EU. Apart from the nuclear deterrent and resource exports, not really a superpower. Fully dependent to the western financial system including SWIFT. Armed forces, greatly reduced and not even close to enough to invade and occupy all of Ukraine, or large enough to seriously threaten the EU. A country who we regarded as a little backward, but, according to UNESCO, graduates more engineers than the USA. Holds a nuclear deterrent of 1500 nuclear weapons in service and 4500 more in long term storage. Told everyone who would listen that Russia would not tolerate NATO expansion to the Russian border, as early as 2007. Russia now. Armed forces growing well past 1 million. Military industrial complex rapid expansion to where it can out produce the combined west eg, in shell production. Hypersonic missile technology superior to the US' 66 submarines, 12 with ballistic missiles and 10 with cruise missiles. 62% of Russians believe the west wants to destroy Russia, and Putin is fighting a war of survival for them. Volunteer rates are high. The military now has new hypersonic, multiple warhead deterrent force of Sarmat ICBM's each capable of 15 individual target selection. Unstoppable according to the Russians. Several other hypersonic nuclear capable missiles suitable to air, sea or ground launch. Others like the nuclear underwater suicide drone called the Nautilus, or the recently commissioned nuclear fueled, hypersonic drone with, like the Nautilus, unlimited range. Superior air defense systems, and much more like drone and jamming technologies. The economy has shrugged off draconian sanctions and continues to grow. Russia now has their own international finance system and an alternative to SWIFT. Now cutting deals in various currencies to move against the petrodollar and reserve currency. Close ties with China and India.
I can't see how we can win this. Best to find a way to stop the Ukraine carnage ASAP imo.
