There is no doubt whatever that when you compare the military potential of Russia to that of Ukraine, the latter is heavily outnumbered and outgunned.

If Ukraine had invaded Russia (as Putin claimed to be pissing his pants over, just a few weeks ago), that would have exacerbated the ratio.

Because invasion changes the odds. Especially if you're a Great Power, you can't just throw everything at the subjugation of a shitty little neighbour. You can't take the chance of leaving the Mongolians a free shot at Siberia, or whatever.

Invasion will get you this. The invadee has no problems with mobilising reservists and conscripts; apparently Russia is now pulling troops out of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (what!! they have troop in...??) and even mobilising the troops of those colonies for their new colonial war; but that's small change.

Plus, suddenly you've got millions of potential partisans sneaking up on you from all sides.

Duh, shoulda thoughta that.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}