Russia could take Europe in... 48 hours?

[bayonetbrant]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-could-invade-europe-within-48-hours-warns-ex-military-chief-a7315976.html

The former chief of Joint Forces Command warned that the failure of countries such as France, Germany and Italy to take the threat of Russian aggression seriously could lead to a loss of land, sea and airspace.

Countries bordering the country, led by president Vladimir Putin, are concerned about the threat from their neighbour, not a priority for southern and central states.

The majority of the EU bloc is focussed on the heightened terror threat and migration crisis gripping the continent

[Sir Slash]

Yeah, but with all the Muslim terrorists there now, who would try it?  ;)  Besides, the Luftstache guards the skies.

[mirth]

They wouldn't get through Poland in 48 hours. Not with conventionals alone.

[bob48]

The whole situation at the moment terrifies me, I have to be honest.

[Staggerwing]

Especially with Boris and the Donald on the job...

[bbmike]

Take it? Maybe. Hold on to it? No.

[mirth]

The general quoted in the article doesn't really make the case that Russia could take it in 48 hours.

General Sir Richard Barrons claimed Russia could deploy warplanes, ships and troops on European soil within 48 hours if it desired, with NATO some months away from an effective counter-strike.

They certainly could have troops inside the Baltics in 48 hours and it could take NATO a while to do something about it militarily.

Technically, the Russians have troops on European soil already in the Ukraine.

[Staggerwing]

The general quoted in the article doesn't really make the case that Russia could take it in 48 hours.

General Sir Richard Barrons claimed Russia could deploy warplanes, ships and troops on European soil within 48 hours if it desired, with NATO some months away from an effective counter-strike.

They certainly could have troops inside the Baltics in 48 hours and it could take NATO a while to do something about it militarily.

Technically, the Russians have troops on European soil already in the Ukraine.

Technically, those troops are on vacation. It just so happens that all they packed was battle dress. Oops.

[BanzaiCat]

I suppose POMCUS isn't a thing anymore?

[bayonetbrant]

I suppose POMCUS isn't a thing anymore?

they're still there - several heavy brigade sets are up near the ports

[mirth]

I suppose POMCUS isn't a thing anymore?

they're still there - several heavy brigade sets are up near the ports

Well hey, that's something.

[Gusington]

They also have Kaliningrad or whatever the kids are calling it these days and have been very busy turning it into a fortress for the last year or so.

[GDS_Starfury]

They wouldn't get through Poland in 48 hours. Not with conventionals alone.

This. 

Russia goes for the Baltics.  Poland goes defcon1.  The rest of Europe freaks out except the Brits who are pissed enough and really want a fight.
Shit goes south and Russia is reminded of what real air power can do.  Cucumbers barely get across the start line.

[mirth]

It's weird when we agree.

[JasonPratt]

More like Russia could flush its military down the drain in 48 hours.  ::)