Originally Posted by
cynicalint
Fair and valid points. I think if NATO in 2014 had shown a stronger front,, then Putin may have thought twice about invading Ukraine. As it is, he thought there was no way NATO could oppose him after the Crimean response, and that the political will and military capability to oppose him was not there.
???
NATO is not fighting against Russian Armed Forces.
He underestimated surely the poltical will and unity which he now encounters. He did not underestimate Military capability of NATO. He is very well aware of that. That is why he is hinting so often at his Nukes.
He did underestimate the Ukrainian Military though (and very probably overestimated his own - surely by their size and capability being overhyped by his entourage in his echo- chamber because that is what he wants to hear and if you want it clearly enough wou will get it).
He must know that in his current position his Air Force would not last longer than a few days. And then it will be tin- plinking. Tanks being wiped out by the hundreds per day. Expecially since they are confined to being on Roads due to the Mud. He has put his conventional troops in the most prone position you could possibly conceive. Half his troops laid belly up directly in front of NATO. That's for sure why he is so nervous.