This is incorrect, though you can be forgiven for feeling this way. Russian soldiers rape each other on the regular to such an extent that there are high numbers of suicides every year (which the Russians blame on violent video games or other nonsense). It is part of the Russian army's gulag culture where brutal hazing and rape are utilized the same way they do in really violent third world prisons.
Meanwhile, the Belarusians complain that the Russians stationed in their country recently left miles of trash and empty alcohol bottles, with Russian soldiers nearly killing themselves by getting drunk and passing out in the freezing cold. The soldiers regularly steal from the army, even selling their weapons, uniforms and ammo to pay for nearly fatal amounts of alcohol with which to keep themselves constantly drunk.
This is still a third world army but with fancy gear paid for with theft.
What makes Russia dangerous is that, thanks to Western lack of military preparation, and thanks to them breaking every single arms treaty they have ever signed, this shithole country with a GDP smaller than Florida has the most advanced nuclear forces on planet Earth, and possess more nukes than the US, UK and the France combined.
The Russian military is overrated. They struggled in Georgia and it is taking 65% of their military to threaten Ukraine. They can take Ukraine, but they cannot hold it.
There is a reason that Putin only attacks non NATO nations. He knows he can’t beat the West.
“The Polish Army and the Hungarians are about all that stands as an obstacle to Putin (if he so wishes);and the Rhine, perhaps even the English Channel.”
Pretty much so. The Germans have lost their martial spirit, and will offer little — if any — resistance to a Russian attack. Poland and Hungary, on the other hand, will fight. The Czech Republic has only 25,000 troops under arms, so it may plug a gap for a few hours.
You are right. I am praying for Poland and Hungary.