Russia’s ground forces are larger today in terms of numbers compared to the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but their quality has declined since then, as assessed today by a senior NATO military official.

“The quality of these forces has decreased. Right now, the Russians do not pose the same threat as they did in February 2022, so we have a bit of time to prepare,” said the chairman of NATO‘s Military Committee, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, referring to the state of the forces’ equipment and the level of training of the soldiers.

He added that this means there should be increased investments in the defense industry.