While Russia has faced staggering losses in Ukraine, with around 600,000 soldiers reportedly killed or injured, the full picture of its military strength might be less straightforward than it appears.
Far From Defeated
According to U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Russia’s military remains far from defeated.
Despite severe losses among its ground forces, Russia’s broader military power — particularly its strategic missile forces, long-range aviation, and submarine capabilities — has been largely unaffected by the conflict.
Cavoli emphasizes that these branches, untouched by the front lines, mean that Russia retains a significant military advantage that could still play a pivotal role beyond Ukraine.
The general’s assessment underlines a critical nuance: while ground troops may be suffering, Russia’s arsenal of long-range missiles and tactical aircraft is still largely operational, according to WP.
He notes that much of Russia’s tactical air power has yet to be deployed in Ukraine, which gives Russia the capacity to rapidly reinforce its military presence if needed.
This untapped potential, Cavoli warns, suggests that NATO and other allies should remain vigilant, as Russia’s broader military structure retains substantial strength both in terms of conventional and nuclear forces.
Learning and Adapting
Adding to these challenges, Cavoli also points out logistical issues within the Russian military, including outdated equipment, corruption affecting training and supply chains, and operational difficulties on the ground.
Despite these setbacks, Cavoli warns that Russia remains focused on rebuilding its ground forces and deploying them along NATO’s borders, indicating that this threat is part of a broader strategy.
The general points to ongoing discussions within Russia about reinforcing border positions, saying, “This is a plan they’ve already set in motion and one we need to take seriously.”
In a prior interview with Der Spiegel, Cavoli stressed that the outcome of the Ukraine war is unlikely to diminish Russia’s overall military strength.
“The Russian army is learning, adapting, and leveraging its wartime experience,” he said, cautioning NATO against underestimating the long-term capabilities of Russia’s armed forces.
