Is Russia a paper tiger nation? Russia’s economy is about the size of Spain’s and their military budget is just 8% of ours – not even counting the other NATO nations. They are having a difficult time in the Ukraine War against a neighboring nation with a population one third their size and primarily armed with Soviet-era weapons and some modern portable anti-tank and antiaircraft missiles.
It appears that Russia’s army (and Navy) are no match for the combined might of American and NATO forces. Based on the current status, one might justifiably conclude that, short of a nuclear exchange in which there are only losers, we have grossly overestimated Russian military might.
This overestimation does not come without consequences. Perhaps it’s time to rethink our bloated defense budget in light of today’s facts. America has other needs.
Rudi Kohler, Heber City
