"Russia would need significantly more ground forces to conquer Ukraine — far more than the current 3.4 Russian soldiers per 1,000 Ukrainian citizens. The force ratios in successful operations are astronomically higher, such as 89.3 troops per 1,000 inhabitants in Germany (1945), 17.5 in Bosnia (1995), 9.8 in East Timor (2000), and 19.3 in Kosovo (2000). High numbers of troops and police are critical to establish basic law & order. In fact, the number of Russian soldiers in Ukraine aren’t even enough to hold any major cities for long. They will be in serious danger of being picked apart by Ukrainian insurgents.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/feb/28/russian-for...

Yes, I agree. It really is a shame that Ukraine doesn’t have an 8,700ft, 1,100 mile long mountain range cutting through the western side of the country. Oh wait, never mind, it does.

As much as I wish that were true, you are plain wrong.

Ukraine's highest peak is 6,700, and the Carpathians are at the very western edge of Ukraine - if resistance merely survives in the Carpathians then the Russians have comprehensively won.

After WW2, Ukrainian partisans fought on until the late forties – without the foreign aid that be expected this time.

There are also other factors at play, such as that there are a lot more funds available.

Interesting. Do you think Soviets soldiers had a lot in common with the Afghan mujahideen? What comparisons would you make with the Russians now fighting Ukrainians?

They have skyscrapers. I would be terrified as a Russian soldier to walk in Kyiv. Only a matter of time until you get sniped, cocktail'ed -- or worse.

Skyscrapers can be flattened with enough artillery. The Hindu Kush cannot.

Or drive there, the number of Javelins and RPGs in circulation handily outnumbers the number of tanks and armored vehicles. It would be like driving into a meatgrinder.

Or fly for that matter, with all the Stingers. I can't imagine flying some expensive attack helicopter, and at any time some Volodymyr can pop out behind a corner with a Stinger and a finger on the trigger.

Birthrate may play a role too, turns out. https://richardhanania.substack.com/p/russia-as-the-great-sa...