US and NATO vs. Russia: Trump says Putin is a paper tiger; Is it or is it a world power? The answer will surprise you!

New Delhi: US President Doland Trump recently described Russia’s military power as a “paper tiger.” Is the US president’s claim true? When you compare the power of Russia and NATO countries on paper, the answer is surprising. Russia possesses more military power and nuclear bombs than any other NATO country. Yes, when all NATO countries come together, Russia certainly appears to have the weaker side, but Russia is so powerful that for the past three years, NATO countries have not dared to openly support Ukraine!

Russia has a military force equal to that of the United States and more troops than any other NATO member, with approximately 1.3 million soldiers, and Russia has millions of soldiers in reserve forces. Yet, Doland Trump is calling them “paper tigers.” But the reality is that Russia’s war machine is so powerful that NATO still hasn’t been able to penetrate it in Ukraine.

Why is Europe worried about Russia’s military power?

Ground troops are the backbone of any combat force, but nuclear weapons are meant to deter adversaries. Putin possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal compared to any other global power. In terms of ground troops, the US has approximately 1.328 million ground troops, while Russia has 1.320 million. Furthermore, Russia maintains over two million reserve forces, which it continues to use in the Ukraine war. However, when the strength of all NATO countries is combined, this figure surpasses Russia’s, with 3.3 million troops.

NATO completely dependent on the US

When it comes to defence spending, Western countries, or rather NATO, appear to be completely dependent on the US. The US alone bears approximately 70 per cent of NATO’s total defence budget, which amounts to approximately $860 billion annually. Europe’s combined defence spending has now reached close to $400 billion, with countries like Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania devoting more than 3% of GDP to the defence sector. Poland has increased its defence budget to 4.2%, or $35 billion, making it Europe’s fastest-growing military power. The UK is also working on a plan to increase its defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 5% by 2035. Thus, European countries have begun rapidly increasing their military strength against Russia, but without the United States, Europe will not have the strength to compete with Russia for many years to come.

Russia’s military hardware

According to reports, Russia possesses 4,699 aircraft, including approximately 3,000 fighter jets and bombers. In addition, there are 13,000 tanks, over 1,700 military helicopters, and more than 600 warships and submarines, including nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable missile-launching submarines. Doland Trump is concerned by Russia’s immense military power. That’s why he repeatedly urges European countries to contribute more funds to NATO. However, European countries, grappling with economic crises, lack the funds for NATO.

Europe increases defence spending

Speaking of defence spending, total European defence spending is estimated to have increased by approximately $175 billion over the past 10 years. And the Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly accelerated the arms race on the continent. Poland, in particular, is deeply concerned about Russia and has begun rapidly increasing its defence spending. It shares borders with Ukraine and Belarus. Poland’s military strength includes over 450 different fighter jets, approximately 600 tanks, over 200 helicopters, and over 60 naval warships and submarines.

Russia’s expertise in long-range missile attacks and cyber warfare

Russia has mastered long-range missile attacks and cyber warfare over the past two decades. Experts believe that “Russia’s strength lies in its size and resilience, but in today’s age, precision missiles can challenge it. Its vast size is both its advantage and its weakness. It is very difficult for Russia to defend its vast territory. This means that Russia can be defeated with precise planning. But that war will be devastating, that’s undeniable.”

Trump’s claims are absurd

That’s why when Doland Trump calls Russia a paper tiger, his claim sounds absurd. Even US officials themselves agree. Former US General Ben Hodges, reported by The Sun, said, “I wouldn’t say Russia is a ‘paper tiger,’ but they have many shortcomings and weaknesses.” He argues that Russia’s three armies lack coordination and planning on the strategic front, which is why they are still engaged in war. However, calling them paper tigers would be completely wrong; it would mean ignoring or underestimating their capabilities.