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At least here it says that in 2021 the Russia's military spending was 4% of its GDP. The only country that was somewhat prepared for repelling the Russia before 2022 was Finland. In school I was taught this about our military strategy: "Finland's defence doctrine is based on the concept of Credible Defence. It means that the Russia would be able to overrun this country, but we are able to cause them such a high level of material losses that they would lose more than they would gain, because of which they will never attack."
This is what all Finns considered true, until around end of March 2022. By then it was clear to Finns that the Russia should by all logic withdraw from its attack and find a way out of the war without losing its face, but also that it will not do that. Which meant that the core principle of our defence doctrine was moot. If the Russia ignores economical sensibility of waging a war, then our strategy of "yeah, they could take conquer us, but it would be economically idiotic" won't be of any use to us. Therefore, we had to look for another solution, and Finns' opinions moved from 65 % anti-NATO to 80 % pro-NATO during March and April 2022. Putin's closest friends, such as Rotenberg, spend a lot of time in Finland and speak Finnish, so he was aware of this. But yeah: Our new military strategy is that it's not enough to stop the Russia if it attacks. We must be able to decisively beat them. Otherwise they will attack.
The US is. Now in 2025, I wish EU was, as well. But it is not. Which is idiotic. As long as the Russia is in one piece, it will attack again.
The Russian economy has the size of Italy. Absolute numbers, PPP adjusted, have to be compared while considering that the exchange rates are manipulated.
Various strategists say that Ukraine is crucial for Russian defence. Venezuela, Iraq show that Russia needs military defence. Staying in the war prevents EU troops in Ukraine which would make any further intervention impossible. Russia is rational. The media just never mention the reasons, for a reason.
This will end with Nato using Finnish enthusiasm for a northern front when the US attack China.
The irony of history will be that that will finish the Finns, when they run against Chinese drones.
Ukraine is more important.
If I am wrong I will have to severely apologize. I don't believe the Russian irrationality but I see the utility for Nato.
There is a recorded phone call of Victoria Nuland about the US financing the democratic development for years while all media insist that Russia started the war for imperial reasons in 2014. Isn't this enough to show that this is a US project?