Russia: Superpower Pretensions Unrealistic
George Woloshyn, Kyiv Post | October 10, 2008
Russia’s military is almost an obsolete force due to poor training and poor quality of armaments. ++ Russia's defense budget is just 7% of US spending. ++ It is unlikely that Russia will be able to afford the $200 billion needed for the revival of its military due to declining oil prices. ++ Ukraine also lacks appropriate military equipment and training - both countries are among the biggest arms exporters - but little is sold to their own forces. ++ Ukraine needs a well-trained military equipped with the latest technologies to protect its own boarders.
