Is Russia actually a lot weaker in terms of the military than we think?

Is Russia actually a lot weaker in terms of the military than we think? Russia’s military capabilities have been subject to debate, especially in light of recent conflicts, like the invasion of Ukraine. Historically, Russia has been perceived as a major military power, largely due to its nuclear arsenal, substantial conventional forces, and significant defense budget. However, the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted several weaknesses:

Logistical Issues:

The Russian military has faced significant logistical challenges, including supply chain problems and difficulties maintaining and supplying troops over long distances. These issues have hindered their operational efficiency.

Poor Command and Coordination:

Reports have suggested weaknesses in command structure and coordination among various units, leading to confusion and inefficiency on the battlefield. Instances of miscommunication have resulted in strategic setbacks.

Morale and Training:

Russian forces have struggled with low morale, partly due to unclear objectives and heavy casualties. There are also questions about the quality of training received by conscripts, which has impacted the effectiveness of ground troops.

Underestimation of Enemy and Strategy:

Russia appears to have underestimated the resilience of Ukraine and the effectiveness of Western support. Ukrainian forces have used modern tactics, combined with Western-supplied weaponry, to significant effect against Russian advances.

Outdated Equipment:

Although Russia has some advanced systems, much of its military equipment is outdated. This has led to vulnerabilities, particularly when facing modern anti-tank and anti-air systems.

Economic Sanctions and Supply Issues:

The international sanctions imposed on Russia have had a significant impact on its military-industrial complex, limiting access to key technologies and components needed for advanced weaponry.

While Russia still has significant nuclear and conventional forces, the current conflict has shown that its conventional military might is less formidable than previously assumed, particularly when facing a well-supported adversary and modern warfare challenges.