All Russia has accomplished is that it has shown the world, especially China, that the Russian conventional military is not the juggernaut once so feared and respected. It has given a whole new perspective to NATO and Europe. The Chinese realize that attacking over 90 miles of open ocean with their combat inexperienced army and untested equipment is not sure to be successful. However they can’t help but look at Russia’s underpopulated Siberian treasure house, Russia’s rich far Pacific lands and Russia’s very limited ability to defend them in a whole new light.
“All Russia has accomplished is that it has shown the world that the Russian conventional military is not the juggernaut once so feared.”
Yes, in some ways we should be grateful to Putin. After our debacles in the Middle East our enemies began to think we were weak they could take advantage.
This conflict is a useful corrective. In a conventional war the combined forces of NATO can still dominate any opponent on the planet.
I have always said that the Pacific is Chinas back door. They are looking at everything east of the Ural Mountains and licking their chops.