[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Russia['s]... still struggling with the professionalization of the Military.

Is that so? Compared to whom? Take a look at The Canadian military right now. Take a look at the US military even. The US Army and National Guard are having problems on their US/Mexico border deployment. The USS Arleigh Burke just entered the Black Sea covered in rust. The USS Zumwalt just returned to San Diego with its hull covered in rust. These are just three examples, I know, but they are indicative of a military that has issues.

What's your take on the professionalism of Ukraine's forces?

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

I believe [Russia] would be at a technological disadvantage to Wetern Militaries.

Western analysts continually over-estimate their own capabilities while, simultaneously, under-estimating their adversaries. Russia enjoys superiority in artillery and air defence. The point the so-called experts in the West fail to understand is that Russia does not need to invade Ukraine in order to light up the Ukrainian army. All they have to do is attack Ukrainian units with stand-off munitions fired from Russia proper.

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

So it would come down to the use of Western Airpower more then troops on the ground. The Western powers would try to take the air and draw blood and the Russians know that. However the Russian navy has really worked to improve themselves. They've jumped their subs forward several generations. The Key to the Russians winning would be to close off the Atlantic, something that they would be capable of for a short period of time. In terms of sheer numbers the Russians are still a shell of what they were at the height of the Cold war.

All of this is irrelevant. It's irrelevant because if Russia decided to invade Ukraine, they'd be in Kiev in a matter of days. Alleged NATO air superiority wouldn't stop that.

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Israel is still an extremely advanced military and extremely well trained.

Their air force is. Their army? Not so much. The IDF's experience recently is with beating up elderly Palestinians and shooting Palestinian teenagers. Hezbollah has considerable experience in Syria, fighting in some grizzly urban engagements. So, Hezbollah is the pre-eminent light infantry in the middle east right now, not the IDF. There are also a few Syrian units that aren't too far behind Hezbollah in terms of ability and experience. Israel's saving grace is that the Syrians are too busy fighting Al-Queda loons and other Jihadi maniacs in Idlib to be too concerned about Israel.

If Israel attacks Iran, Iran will retaliate against US forces in the Gulf and they will retaliate against Saudi oil infrastructure. This is why Biden told Israel to put the brakes on any idea of attacking Iran. Will Israel listen?