Russia vs Ukraine: The staggering imbalance between military powers

Ukraine: Klitschko criticises lack of support from Germany

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The crisis at Ukraine’s border has only built over the last few weeks, despite public declarations that both aggressors are searching for a diplomatic solution. Both sides fear the other is attempting to fulfil an expansionist dream and have stepped-up military presence in the area. But NATO has primarily dedicated supplies rather than soldiers, leaving Ukraine’s armed forces to fend off any potential advances from Russia.

Data has uncovered a significant imbalance between the armed forces of the two countries.

Military analytics site Globalfirepower.com, which compiles strength estimates for 140 nations, found that Mr Putin could easily overwhelm Ukraine if he wished.

In total, Russia has more than four times more soldiers than its neighbour, with 850,000 active personnel to Ukraine’s 200,000.

The soldiers show a snapshot of Russian military might, as the nation has a vast array of available machinery.

Russian ground personnel can count on an armoured escort, with significant supplies of both tanks and armoured vehicles.

The country has 12,420 tanks and another 30,122 armoured vehicles, eclipsing Ukraine.

The smaller nation has a total of 2,596 tanks to 12,303 armoured vehicles.

The most profound difference between the two nations is in available air and ocean-bound support.

Russia has 4,173 total aircraft available for deployment and a staggering fighting force of fighter jets and attack helicopters.

Mr Putin can utilise another 772 jets and 544 attack helicopters, with both categories far outgunning Ukrainian aircraft.

Ukraine has 318 total aircraft, 69 fighter jets, and 34 attack helicopters.

In terms of naval strength, Russia comes out on top once again.

Russia has a 605 ship strong naval fleet and a healthy supply of 11 frigates and 15 destroyer class ships.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has roughly a 20th of this total strength, with a naval fleet of 38, one frigate and no destroyers.

The figures paint a sobering picture for the Ukrainian leadership, but it could quickly pad its ranks using NATO.

While the organisation has no admission plans yet, NATO members can rely on a significant fighting force.

NATO has had decades to grow its armed forces, with the pact first established in 1949.

Personnel utilised by the organisation come from each of its 30 member countries.

Altogether, NATO has 3.5 million soldiers available for deployment, combining civilian and professional troops.

Each nation provides what it can, with tanks, submarines and fighter jets also pooled together.

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