(September 22, 2022 at 10:50 pm)Helios Wrote: I wouldn't go that far. The Soviets were not a paper tiger and an invasion of modern Russia would not be easy by any stretch. Let's avoid copying their hubris.
I think this war has indeed shown them to be a Potemkin army. The Ukrainians are defeating them, but generally using just the same equipment for tanks and airplanes at least. The weapon is only as good as the fighter wielding it. The difference in motivation is stark, and telling.
But no, attacking Russia is not an answer to anything. Despite their clear weaknesses, they have clear strengths as well -- room to retreat, General January, and so on.
The upshot of all this is that the Ukrainians, with this victory, have almost certainly forestalled any Russian offensive before the mud sets in, with a good two months before the ground freezes and permits mobile actions again. Not bad at all. I believe they've also inflicted an inferiority complex on the Russians. That could be important if it's actually the case.
