I think the Ukrainian military is superior to the troops Russia has used. Russia has such a numbers advantage in hardware that is is difficult for Ukraine to win this thing. Put so far, tank to tank and man to man, the Ukrainians appear to be better trained, equipped and motivated. (Does Russia have its top line troops in reserve? I do not know, but suspect so.)BornAgain said:
What is the opinion on Russia military not being superior to Ukraine? is Russia more intimidation and fear from Putin toward the West? Who predicted 19 days or longer ? curious as to opinions
I don't think Putin and Russia care if the intimidate or make the West fearful, as long as he gets what he wants.
If he can't get it with threats, he will use force.
If force is not enough, he will intimidate
If intimidation does not work, he will go WMD
He will escalate until he gets his goal or is smacked down
19 days? I think the CV was 7 days and he would have command and control of the Nation with mop up.
That said, I believe that Putin is opportunistic. If he can't do it in 7 quickly and cleanly, he will go to attrition and trash the place. If he can't be surgical, intimidate and bludgeon the hell out of them, the Russian Army way of fighting. There is a reason Russian Artillery barrages are legendary, that is what they are good at beside making tough, simple arms.
I think Putin makes decisions based on the conditions on the ground, not some thought out plan that he follows. That is why some things I said 2 weeks ago, I have changed my opinion based on what he is doing now. And make no mistake, the current war strategy seems different than the first 7 days.
These are my opinions, like a cup of coffee. Worth about a dollar.