You make a good point. Vietnam would be another example of a military with superior resources (U.S.) being defeated.
In the case of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and the U.S. in Vietnam, hindsight might say failed political support and/or failed military strategy lost those wars. Regardless, you've reminded us that Goliath can be taken down.
Realistically, Ukraine isn’t going to eject several hundred thousand soldiers from the biggest country in the world from Ukrainian lands with a few dozens NATO tanks and AFV.
Everybody knows that but it is hilarious to watch Democrats and the Kremlin’s bootlickers gaslight otherwise.
Russia has failed to achieve its goals and can only destroy Ukraine in the historical Russian Nazi themed manner.
Apples and oranges. There are major differences between Ukraine and Afghanistan. Look at a map. Russia shares a 1,500 mile border with Ukraine. Logistically, it is far easier to support forces on the ground than in Afghanistan.
Russia shares centuries of close historical, cultural, economic, and linguistic ties with Ukraine. The current nine year war in Ukraine is more like a civil war. Russia has greater and more important strategic interests in Ukraine compared to Afghanistan. They have drawn the red line that Ukraine will not become a member of NATO.
We spent 20 years in Afghanistan culminating in Biden’s humiliating exit that left thousands of American citizens behind. The Soviets left Afghanistan with far more dignity.
20. Stinger AA shoulder-fired missiles turned the tide of battle in favor of the Afghani resistance. The Russians reportedly lost about 65 mixed aircraft in a month or so, which forced them to bomb from higher and less accurate positions, denied the airborne Spaznat forces air cover for their mountain-top landings above the Resistance, and left armor on the ground exposed and with no air cover.
I had acquaintances who were there and reported this.