Russia and Ukraine

[The Grand Nudger]

Russia has failed to successfully invade one of the only european countries poorer than they are despite a massive force differential between the two, as well as the support of separatists and terrorists in ukraine, in a conflict that is now over a decade. Strong isn't the word I'd use. More like suicidally desperate. Similar effect, I suppose.

Ukraine directly attacked them and occupied their territory, crossing a red line russia had rattled the saber on every day of the week for years. The nukes did not fly. This, because russian command could not be sure that their nukes worked properly and would not be intercepted, while they knew any attempt to use them would cause a global shitstorm of missiles and strikes incoming..and..if it went nuclear, the retaliatory strike absolutely would work and certainly get through. Additionally, they understand that ukraine has no real interest or ability to conquer russia. Icing on the cake - they do not care about their fucking citizens. Full stop.

That's how they've managed to go on as long as they have, and also why they can't scrape up a win. Any threat they make, not just nuclear but any threat that begins with "for the defense of"..is utterly full of shit. They have as much interest in defending russia or russians as ukraine does in occupying moscow. It will go on as long as putin can convince the people under him to keep losing money and not a single US dollar further.