Why can't Europe defend itself?

[Furunculus]

lol, I think that you are underestimating them, and the fact that they would most likely have China as an ally. They do not even have to occupy most of the countries as long as they get they own regimes in power, and use the resources of the country to suppress itself.

lol, i think i'm not.

the average life expectancy of russian men is close to 30 years less than of an average EU citizen, mostly due to alcohol.

most of their army is completely immobile, hasn't trained properly in years, nor too had a proper maintenance schedule.

they're only just starting to complete equipment programs that were supposed to be delivered in the late 80's, now nearly a (human) generation out of date.

their population will decline to less than that of germany within the next (human) generation.

their economy is propped up on petro-chemical exports, and flogging off old soviet era kit.

no, i am not underestimating russia, they are still a great power, but........................ they are surrounded by other great powers, and represent no existential threat to europe any more, and never will again short of pressing every single big-red-button they have left, but why would they do it when Britain and France have a guaranteed second strike?