I wouldn’t think they actually can afford to lose that many tanks in this day and age. A T72 or T90 is infinitely more complex than a T34, and Russia is already showing signs of exhaustion.
After Finland joined NATO, they actually drew down their forces there, meaning they themselves don’t think fighting NATO is on the table. Also, most of their AA bases across the globe have been emptied out months ago, while Ukraine is just putting the pressure on with its new F16s.
Empires fall gradually, then suddenly. Not many people predicted the fall of the USSR either.
I wouldn’t think they actually can afford to lose that many tanks in this day and age. A T72 or T90 is infinitely more complex than a T34, and Russia is already showing signs of exhaustion.
After Finland joined NATO, they actually drew down their forces there, meaning they themselves don’t think fighting NATO is on the table. Also, most of their AA bases across the globe have been emptied out months ago, while Ukraine is just putting the pressure on with its new F16s.
Empires fall gradually, then suddenly. Not many people predicted the fall of the USSR either.