By Michael McManus

Napoleon is reported to have said “Russia is never as weak as she looks, but Russia is never as strong as she looks”.

These words are both reassurance and caution for a Europe that yet again is keeping a watchful eye on the east.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently echoed this sentiment, warning that the Alliance may need to prepare for the possibility of war with Russia.

At first glance, Russia appears weak. Its invasion of Ukraine has exposed its military shortcomings.

The plan to seize Kyiv in a matter of days collapsed almost immediately. Since then, Moscow has failed to subdue a country roughly 28 times smaller than itself.

This is a testament not just to Ukraine’s bravery, but also the disorganised nature of Russia’s armed forces.

UK Ministry of Defence analysis suggests over 1 million Russians have died or been wounded, much of it due to clumsy tactics.

But complacency would be a serious........

© LBC