@Skol - the mighty U.S. arm couldn't beat motley collections of fighters anywhere in the Middle East over the last 20 years!!!
Being 'local' in the case of the Ukraine means you are defending the very soil your ancestors tilled and made blossom - they have a vested interest in their beloved land - many of the people who are 'fleeing' are being interviewed and most of them hope to return, with some exceptions of those who have relatives in the West.
The original Russian army consisted of young conscripts who weren't even told the truth about why they were being sent into an 'operation' - they weren't told it's a war of aggression.
If Putin is smart, he will begin negotiating and he might settle for bits of he Ukraine where there is a majority of Russians living.
But I am not sure, he is smart, however sanctions will begin to bite, I am hopeful!
Go well
Taurisk
