What is important here is whether the Ukrainian military has two specific weapons systems:
* ground to air shoulder fired missiles like a Strela or Stinger. If so, it’s a game changer re airborne assault and attacks.
* Serious anti-tank/armor missiles, either shoulder fired or vehicle mounted (for quick shoot and scoot operations).
* Also, if they have any Soviet Quad AA guns, the really serious stuff that is both used from stationary positions and from trucks.
*Some decent artillery wouldn’t hurt either, be it large-sized mortars or field artillery (105’s on up).
The Russians might win but at what cost in men, equipment, and even homefront public opinion. Many remember what happened in Afghanistan when the Stingers came into play. Lots of pilots and planed ended up buried in the valleys and hills there. Thoroughly cramped the assault style of the Spetsnaz troops.
* Their own Special Forces commando troops for harassment, ambushes, IEDs, etc.
A lot of Ifs but only time will tell. Since some former Israeli Defense Force soldiers are reportedly helping the Ukrainians, I suspect that the Russians will be in for a few painful surprises.
Also wouldn’t be surprised to find some Moslem jihadists getting a few shots in at the Russians. Memories of Afghanistan are long and hard.
Things are going to get very interesting very quickly.
And of course, John Kerry is going to bring his Swift Boat to bear on the Russian Navy in a show of “gunboat diplomacy”. Hope he brings his rubbery ducky with him for good luck.
Funny thing about that Swift Boat. It could face intense enemy fire at point blank range (WELL!! Kerry said so!!), but the records show not one hole in the boat. I’ll bet the Ukrainians would really like some of those!