Oh, yeah, those conquered countries were supported by some entity with over 73% of the global GDP, the conquered had reasonably effective weapons, and were conquered and held since WW2.
Moreover, when they couldn’t coopt credible local leaders and such (ain’t gonna happen in most of Ukraine), the conquerers were unhesitatingly brutal if need be, to establish and maintain control. (Try reading Daniel Boone’s diaries.)
Russia (as the Soviets) had some success, again using brutality, but, success did not last long, and it earned them instant mortal enemies (the Poles, for one) when Russia began to expand again.
However, thanks for your opinion that Russia of today is equivalent to the old European colonial powers. Knew it all along, at least when it comes to mindset, intent and brutality.
“Moreover, when they couldn’t coopt credible local leaders and such (ain’t gonna happen in most of Ukraine),...”
LOL, after Russia is through with Ukraine, there won’t be any Ukrainian men left to be coopted.
“Russia of today is equivalent to the old European colonial powers. Knew it all along, at least when it comes to mindset, intent and brutality.”
Except they have nuclear weapons with their “mindset, intent and brutality.” Get it?