A high-ranking NATO official has claimed that while the Russian Army is now larger than it was two years ago, its quality has significantly deteriorated throughout the course of the war.
Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of NATO’s Military Committee, stated that the condition of Russia’s military equipment and the training provided to its soldiers have both declined since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
He emphasized that Moscow no longer poses the same threat as it did in February 2022, “so we have a bit of time to prepare ourselves.”
Bauer called for increased investments in defense to match or exceed Russia’s military capabilities.
Additionally, he urged European businesses to adjust their production and distribution lines to be prepared for a wartime scenario.
“If we can make sure that all crucial services and goods can be delivered no matter what, then that is a key part of our deterrence,” Bauer noted.
Potential War Escalation
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia has suffered more than 700,000 military casualties so far, with an average of 1,531 per day during the first 17 days of November 2024.
The country has also lost over 3,500 tanks, 140 helicopters, 130 fixed-wing aircraft, and 8,500 armored vehicles, based on data released by the UK Ministry of Defence.
Despite these staggering losses, Lithuania’s military intelligence service warned last year that Moscow could still have enough resources to sustain the war for another two years.
Furthermore, a German intelligence report raised concerns that Russia could regain strength and potentially double its military capabilities within the next five years.
There are now growing fears that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it may target a NATO member next.