[bgorman]

Russia has the most nuclear weapons of any country, the largest airborne assault force in the world, the best missile defense system in the world, the second most nuclear submarines (and second best), the third most fighter aircraft, the most tanks.

Russia has a great domestic arms industry/natural resources and can resupply itself in isolation.

People need to realize that Russia's defense is primarily setup to defend its borders.

Any country other than the US would not fare well in a nuclear war with Russia, including China.

China hasn't been at war since the 70s. No one knows how well they would do in a conflict.

You simply cannot ignore nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are a great equalizer, that is why North Korea cannot be invaded from South Korea, despite South Korea having a much better "conventional" military.