[aegiscg47]

I use to also think that the Russian empire would make a comeback someday, but now I'm not so sure. Their defense spending is anemic, they're down to less tanks in service than NATO has, their pilots barely get any flying time at all, and most of their naval fleet expansion plans have been scrapped. I think the tough talk, major exercises, etc., is meant more as a bluff or show of force as they literally have little power projection capabilities.

[Nikas777]

The Russians announced they are in defense mode when Clinton was president and Yeltsin was president. Pretty much they stated they will provide an offensive arm only in terms of their nuclear deterrent and their conventional forces would be reduced. In fact they are transitioning to a professional army of much smaller scale. They are not doing it well but they are doing it.