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Military Stats: compare key data on Russia & Ukraine

Luke.Metcalfe

Author: Luke.Metcalfe

As the Ukrainian Revolution escalated last month, Western nations and the Ukrainian Government claimed that Russian Special Forces and paramilitary units occupied the borders around Ukraine. However, Russia insisted that these were not military troops but self defence forces. There is an ongoing crisis in the region due to the friction between NATO and Russia set off by the revolution and reunification of Crimea to Russia. According to the United States and the European Union, this is a blatant violation of international law.

Russia has already deployed a total of 10,000 combat troops in multiple locations and has taken over 189 military bases in Crimea. Ukraine has withdrawn its forces because of threats to the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and their families. Russian assault units have taken control of the Ukrainian Naval Base in Feodosia at the Crimean Port and captured approximately 80 soldiers. Likewise, Russian armoured personnel carriers have entered the Belbek Air Base and Novofederoskoe Military Base. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry also announced that an assault team from Russia composed of two helicopters and three speed boats as well as a tug boat have captured a naval vessel of Ukraine in Crimea.

Both the United Nations and the United States have condemned the military action of Russia but have not instituted any armed measures against Russia. Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovuch fled to Russia and sought the help of Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore legitimacy in his country. Meanwhile Interim Ukrainian President Oleksandr Tuchynov believes that the decision of Russia to commit aggression will hurt both nations. International observers are convinced that Russia has a plant to establish another form of Soviet Union.

Definitions

  • Air force > Combat aircraft: Number of fighter aircrafts (fixed wing aircrafts with combat capability).
  • Armed forces personnel: Total armed forces (2000)
  • Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries: Compares the world's largest arms exporters, in millions of US Dollars. Data corresponds to the year 2010, and was compiled by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), a think tank dedicated to the research of conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament in the world, with presence in Stockholm, Beijing and Washington DC.
  • Army > Main battle tanks: Number of main battle tanks.
  • Budget: Annual defense budget in billion USD.
  • Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index is comprised of 22 indicators in the three categories ongoing domestic or international conflicts; societal safety; and security and militarization. A low index value indicates a peaceful and safe country.
  • Military expenditures: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Military service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.
  • Navy > Aircraft carriers: Number of aircraft carriers.
  • Navy > Corvette warships: Number of corvettes.
  • Paramilitary personnel: Paramilitary.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Personnel > Per capita: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of sevice obligation.
  • WMD > Nuclear: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of nuclear weapons
  • War deaths: Battle-related deaths are deaths in battle-related conflicts between warring parties in the conflict dyad (two conflict units that are parties to a conflict). Typically, battle-related deaths occur in warfare involving the armed forces of the warring parties. This includes traditional battlefield fighting, guerrilla activities, and all kinds of bombardments of military units, cities, and villages, etc. The targets are usually the military itself and its installations or state institutions and state representatives, but there is often substantial collateral damage in the form of civilians being killed in crossfire, in indiscriminate bombings, etc. All deaths--military as well as civilian--incurred in such situations, are counted as battle-related deaths."
  • Military branches: This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).
  • Expenditures > Percent of GDP: Current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Armed forces personnel > Total: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organisation, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces."
  • Personnel: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces.
  • Navy > Frigates: Number of frigates.
  • Branches: The names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces
  • Navy > Amphibious warfare ships: Number of amphibious warfare ships.
  • Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries per million people: Compares the world's largest arms exporters, in millions of US Dollars. Data corresponds to the year 2010, and was compiled by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), a think tank dedicated to the research of conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament in the world, with presence in Stockholm, Beijing and Washington DC. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Military expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilisation, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)"
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Armed forces personnel per 1000: Total armed forces (2000). Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Personnel per 1000: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Conscription: A description of the status of conscription in the nation in 1997.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Forces in Europe > Artillery: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2005
  • WMD > Biological: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of biological weapons of mass destruction
  • Military expenditures > Percent of GDP: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Conventional arms > Exports: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre).
  • WMD > Overview: An overview of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of weapons of mass destruction
  • WMD > Chemical: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of chemical weapons of mass destruction
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Forces in Europe > Battle Tanks: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2006
  • Manpower fit for military service > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Exports > USD: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services."
  • Conventional arms > Exports per capita: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Forces in Europe > Aircraft: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2004
  • Manpower available for military service > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Forces in Europe > Helicopters: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2007
  • Manpower > Military age: The minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription.
  • Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Forces in Europe > Helicopters per million: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2007. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Forces in Europe > ACVs: Conventional armed forces in Europe (ACVs = Armoured Combat Vehicles).
  • Forces in Europe > Artillery per million: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2005. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower fit for military service > Females age 18-49: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Manpower fit for military service > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Employment in arms > Production per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower available for military service > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Females age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Forces in Europe > Battle Tanks per million: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2006. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Females age 18-49: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower available for military service > Females age 18-49: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Forces in Europe > ACVs per million: Conventional armed forces in Europe (ACVs = Armoured Combat Vehicles). Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed as a proportion of GDP for the same year
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita: Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Expenditure > % of GDP: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower fit for military service > Females age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and who are not otherwise disqualified for health reasons; accounts for the health situation in the country and provides a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Forces in Europe > Aircraft per million: Conventional armed forces in Europe. SIPRI Yearbooks 1991-2003. Conventional arms control. Last update: July 2004. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organization's definition of the economically active population.
  • Armed forces personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organisation, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organisation's definition of the economically active population."
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Military expenditure > % of GDP: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilisation, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)"
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Expenditure > % of central government expenditure: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower available for military service > Females age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of males and females falling in the military age range for the country and assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
STAT Russia Ukraine HISTORY
Air force > Combat aircraft 1,900
Ranked 1st. 10 times more than Ukraine
188
Ranked 9th.
Armed forces personnel 1.52 million
Ranked 2nd. 5 times more than Ukraine
304,000
Ranked 14th.
Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries 8,003
Ranked 2nd. 6 times more than Ukraine
1,344
Ranked 4th.

Army > Main battle tanks 22,710
Ranked 1st. 6 times more than Ukraine
3,784
Ranked 4th.
Budget 93.76 US$ BN
Ranked 1st. 45 times more than Ukraine
2.07 US$ BN
Ranked 10th.
Global Peace Index 3.06
Ranked 8th. 37% more than Ukraine
2.24
Ranked 52nd.

Military expenditures 3.9% of GDP
Ranked 6th. 2 times more than Ukraine
1.6% of GDP
Ranked 32nd.
Military service age and obligation 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation is 1 year (conscripts can only be sent to combat zones after 6 months of training); reserve obligation to age 50; enrollment in military schools from the age of 16, cadets classified as members of the armed forces 18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army and Air Force, 18 months for Navy
Navy > Aircraft carriers 1
Ranked 1st.
0.0
Ranked 6th.
Navy > Corvette warships 70
Ranked 1st. 70 times more than Ukraine
1
Ranked 10th.
Paramilitary personnel 449,000
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than Ukraine
84,900
Ranked 1st.
Personnel > Per capita 10.15 per 1,000 people
Ranked 28th. 75% more than Ukraine
5.8 per 1,000 people
Ranked 64th.

Service age and obligation 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year; reserve obligation to age 50; as of July 2008, a draft military strategy called for the draft to continue up to the year 2030 18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months for Army and Air Force, 24 months for Navy
WMD > Nuclear The Soviet nuclear weapon program began during World War II and culminated in a successful atomic bomb test in 1949. Russia, as the successor of the Soviet Union, is a nuclear weapon state party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). According to estimates by the Natural Resources Defense Council, by 1991, the Soviet Union had approximately 35,000 weapons in its stockpile, down from a peak in 1986 of approximately 45,000. Russia is estimated to now have around 20,000 nuclear weapons, although total stockpile size is uncertain because there is no accurate count of tactical nuclear weapons. However, in 2002 Russia declared it will eliminate its tactical nuclear weapons by the end of 2004. Under the START I Treaty, the Russian nuclear arsenal has been reduced to approximately 7,000 strategic warheads. The START II Treaty, which was declared non-binding in June 2002, would have reduced this number to between 3,000 and 3,500 strategic nuclear warheads. The Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (Treaty of Moscow) requires Russia to reduce the number of deployed strategic warheads to between 1,700 and 2,200 by the end of 2012. Russia inherited a massive nuclear weapons production complex and large stocks of weapons grade fissile material. It is estimated that Russia has between 735 and 1,365 metric tons (t) of weapons grade-equivalent highly enriched uranium (HEU) and between 106 and 156 t of military-use plutonium. Upon the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a considerable nuclear potential, in the form of 176 SS-19 and SS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs; 1,240 warheads) and 44 strategic bombers. In addition, there were an unspecified number of tactical nuclear warheads on its territory. However, in spite of some domestic opposition, Ukraine gradually rid itself of its nuclear weapon inheritance by transferring both tactical and strategic warheads to Russia (the last warheads were transferred by June 1996 in return for Russian compensation in the form of fuel for Ukraine’s nuclear power reactors) and eliminating missiles, missile silos, and strategic bombers on its territory. Ukraine also acceded to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) and joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear weapon state. By January 2002, all strategic bombers on Ukraine’s territory had been either dismantled, transferred to Russia, or converted to non-military use; all ICBMs had been extracted from the silos and either eliminated or disassembled pending elimination; and all ICBM silos had been eliminated.
War deaths 339
Ranked 17th.
0.0
Ranked 76th.

Military branches Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (Vozdushno-Desantnyye Voyska, VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Aerospace Defense Troops (Voyska Vozdushno-Kosmicheskoy Oborony or Voyska VKO) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of the ground troops Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces
Expenditures > Percent of GDP 3.9%
Ranked 24th. 3 times more than Ukraine
1.4%
Ranked 107th.

Manpower fit for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Armed forces personnel > Total 1.48 million
Ranked 5th. 7 times more than Ukraine
215,000
Ranked 26th.

Personnel 1.45 million
Ranked 4th. 5 times more than Ukraine
273,000
Ranked 22nd.

Navy > Frigates 5
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Ukraine
2
Ranked 10th.
Branches Ground Forces (SV), Navy (VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Troops (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of ground troops Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (Viyskovo-Povitryani Syly), Air Defense Forces
Navy > Amphibious warfare ships 15
Ranked 1st. 15 times more than Ukraine
1
Ranked 8th.
Arms trade > Arms exports, top countries per million people 55.76
Ranked 2nd. 89% more than Ukraine
29.48
Ranked 4th.

Military expenditure > Current LCU 1.69 trillion
Ranked 10th. 65 times more than Ukraine
26.08 billion
Ranked 50th.

Manpower reaching military age annually > Males 693,843
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Ukraine
246,397
Ranked 49th.

Armed forces personnel per 1000 10.39
Ranked 21st. 68% more than Ukraine
6.18
Ranked 39th.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males 821,103
Ranked 14th. 3 times more than Ukraine
288,605
Ranked 40th.

Manpower available for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Personnel per 1000 10.14
Ranked 28th. 75% more than Ukraine
5.8
Ranked 63th.

Expenditure > Current LCU 808806000000 10400000000
Conscription <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>Conscription</a> exists (<a href=/encyclopedia/artificial-intelligence>AI</a>). <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>Conscription</a> exists.
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ 40 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 50th. 38% more than Ukraine
29 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 54th.
Forces in Europe > Artillery 5,856
Ranked 1st. 59% more than Ukraine
3,692
Ranked 2nd.
WMD > Biological The Soviet Union ratified the BWC in 1975. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union violated the treaty by secretly operating a massive offensive BW program until it dissolved in 1991. The Soviet BW arsenal included the causative agents of anthrax, smallpox, plague, tularemia, glanders, and hemorrhagic fever. In wartime, formulated agents would have been loaded into a variety of delivery systems, including aerial bombs and ballistic missile warheads. Soviet BW scientists also researched, developed, and produced anti-crop and anti-livestock agents. Although the U.S. government believes that the BW agent stockpiles have been destroyed, activities that contravene the BWC may continue at a few military biological facilities in Russia. The Soviet Union also established a so-called anti-plague system, whose primary objective was to control endemic diseases and prevent the importation of exotic pathogens that could threaten crops, animals, and humans. In the late 1960s, however, the system also was tasked with defending the USSR against biological attacks. The anti-plague system continues in today’s Russia. There are reports that some countries, including Iran, have attempted to hire Russian BW specialists to help them acquire biological weapons. The U.S. Departments of State and Defense report that Soviet biological facilities once existed in Ukraine. None, however, is active today. Ukraine has publicly stated that it views biological weapons proliferation as a threat to its own security. The country does not have a biological warfare program and appears to have no intention of establishing one. Ukraine is a signatory to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), which it ratified in 1975, and a member of the Australia Group. Under an August 2005 U.S.-Ukraine agreement, the United States will fund security upgrades at key Ukrainian biological institutes where dangerous microbes are kept.
Expenditures 3.9% of GDP
Ranked 12th. 3 times more than Ukraine
1.4% of GDP
Ranked 55th.
Military expenditures > Percent of GDP 3.9% of GDP
Ranked 11th. 3 times more than Ukraine
1.4% of GDP
Ranked 50th.
Conventional arms > Exports $6.20 billion
Ranked 1st. 14 times more than Ukraine
$452.00 million
Ranked 6th.
WMD > Overview The collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991 left the Russian Federation with the bulk of the massive Soviet weapons of mass destruction complex. This legacy has allowed Russia to retain its great power status even as its economy has collapsed, but the burden of supporting this oversized complex has strained the Russian political and economic system. Russia's nuclear and missile capabilities presupposes its crucial role in arms control and nonproliferation, while the remnants of chemical and biological weapons programs pose major environmental and proliferation threats. Ukraine inherited a considerable number of nuclear warheads, missiles, and missile production facilities when the Soviet Union collapsed. In its first decade of independence, Ukraine transferred all nuclear warheads to Russia and eliminated missiles, missile silos, and strategic bombers on its territory. All chemical weapons were returned to Russia for elimination by January 1992. Ukraine possesses no biological weapons and is cooperating with the United States on measures to upgrade security at biological institutes that house dangerous microbes.
WMD > Chemical During the Cold War, and afterwards, the Soviet Union had the world's largest arsenal of chemical weapons, including artillery shells, bombs, and missiles that contained choking agents (phosgene), nerve agents (sarin, soman, and VX), and blister agents (mustard, lewisite, and mustard-lewisite mixture). There have been allegations that the Soviet Union developed a new class of nerve agent (Novichok), estimated to be 5-10 times more toxic than VX. Russia inherited the declared Soviet stockpile of 40,000 metric tons of CW munitions and agents stored in bulk. In November 1997, Russia ratified the CWC, but financial and other difficulties have impeded the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile, so it is far behind the timetable specified in the treaty. In January 1992, Russian President Boris Yeltsin declared that all former Soviet chemical weapons had been moved to Russia. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Ukraine does not have a chemical warfare program, nor does it plan to establish one. Ukraine is a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which it ratified in 1998. Ukraine joined the Australia Group in April 2005.
Manpower fit for military service > Females age 16-49 26381518 None
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ 5.77 billion constant 1990 US$
Ranked 2nd. 31 times more than Ukraine
188 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 10th.

Forces in Europe > Battle Tanks 4,982
Ranked 1st. 32% more than Ukraine
3,784
Ranked 2nd.
Employment in arms > Production 835,000
Ranked 3rd. 4 times more than Ukraine
200,000
Ranked 5th.
Manpower fit for military service > Males age 18-49 21.05 million
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than Ukraine
7.38 million
Ranked 17th.
Exports > USD 5.95 billion
Ranked 2nd. 26 times more than Ukraine
233 million
Ranked 14th.

Conventional arms > Exports per capita $41.79
Ranked 2nd. 5 times more than Ukraine
$8.71
Ranked 14th.
Forces in Europe > Aircraft 2,358
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Ukraine
801
Ranked 2nd.
Manpower available for military service > Males age 18-49 35.25 million
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Ukraine
11.02 million
Ranked 18th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people 4.83
Ranked 214th.
5.4
Ranked 204th. 12% more than Russia

Forces in Europe > Helicopters 445
Ranked 1st. 2 times more than Ukraine
191
Ranked 4th.
Manpower > Availability > Males 36.22 million
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Ukraine
11.46 million
Ranked 28th.

Manpower > Military age 18 years of age 18 years of age
Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP 4.4 per $1,000
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Ukraine
1.51 per $1,000
Ranked 5th.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty > Signatures and Ratifications > Signature 24 SEP 1996 27 SEP 1996
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 1.29 million
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Ukraine
382,751
Ranked 23th.
Forces in Europe > Helicopters per million 3.13
Ranked 9th.
4.11
Ranked 5th. 31% more than Russia
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males 693,843
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Ukraine
246,397
Ranked 49th.
Forces in Europe > ACVs 9,292
Ranked 1st. 96% more than Ukraine
4,740
Ranked 2nd.
Forces in Europe > Artillery per million 40.91
Ranked 13th.
78.38
Ranked 4th. 92% more than Russia
Manpower available for military service > Females age 16-49 34985115 None
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 0.27 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 84th.
0.611 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 79th. 2 times more than Russia
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 40,324.61 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 3rd. 10 times more than Ukraine
3,993.6 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 15th.

Manpower fit for military service > Females age 18-49 29.06 million
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Ukraine
9.31 million
Ranked 14th.
Manpower fit for military service > Males age 18-49 per 1000 148.13
Ranked 104th.
158.59
Ranked 89th. 7% more than Russia
NATO > Membership Action Plan > Partnership for Peace June 1994 February 1994
Employment in arms > Production per 1000 5.72
Ranked 4th. 39% more than Ukraine
4.11
Ranked 8th.
Manpower > Availability > Females 37.02 million
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Ukraine
11.77 million
Ranked 25th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males 21.49 million
Ranked 10th. 3 times more than Ukraine
7.14 million
Ranked 33th.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 36 million
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Ukraine
12.24 million
Ranked 26th.

Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 0.27 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 85th.
0.611 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 79th. 2 times more than Russia
Manpower available for military service > Males age 18-49 per 1000 248.04
Ranked 34th. 5% more than Ukraine
236.95
Ranked 41st.
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Females age 18-49 per 1000 8.76
Ranked 53th. 11% more than Ukraine
7.86
Ranked 65th.
Forces in Europe > Battle Tanks per million 34.96
Ranked 12th.
80.88
Ranked 4th. 2 times more than Russia
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females 660,359
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Ukraine
234,916
Ranked 49th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people 4.64
Ranked 214th.
5.12
Ranked 208th. 10% more than Russia
Manpower > Fit for military service > Females 28.76 million
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Ukraine
9.43 million
Ranked 24th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 24 million
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than Ukraine
9.6 million
Ranked 21st.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000 251.48
Ranked 77th.
259.78
Ranked 55th. 3% more than Russia

Manpower reaching military service age annually > Females age 18-49 1.24 million
Ranked 5th. 3 times more than Ukraine
365,599
Ranked 17th.
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000 9.05
Ranked 79th. 10% more than Ukraine
8.23
Ranked 94th.
Manpower available for military service > Females age 18-49 35.99 million
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Ukraine
11.37 million
Ranked 16th.
Forces in Europe > ACVs per million 64.26
Ranked 9th.
99.14
Ranked 6th. 54% more than Russia
Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP 1.2%
Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than Ukraine
0.555%
Ranked 4th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.213 per capita
Ranked 27th. 5% more than Ukraine
0.202 per capita
Ranked 46th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita 5.55 per 1,000 people
Ranked 205th.
6.01 per 1,000 people
Ranked 192nd. 8% more than Russia

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.272 per capita
Ranked 55th. 6% more than Ukraine
0.257 per capita
Ranked 86th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita 5.84 per 1,000 people
Ranked 208th.
6.28 per 1,000 people
Ranked 196th. 8% more than Russia

Expenditure > % of GDP 3.74%
Ranked 13th. 53% more than Ukraine
2.45%
Ranked 30th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000 5.78
Ranked 187th.
6.24
Ranked 174th. 8% more than Russia

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Female 660359 234916
Manpower fit for military service > Females age 18-49 per 1000 204.48
Ranked 20th. 2% more than Ukraine
200.25
Ranked 26th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Male 693843 246397
Forces in Europe > Aircraft per million 16.39
Ranked 5th.
16.88
Ranked 4th. 3% more than Russia
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty > Signatures and Ratifications > Ratification 30 JUN 2000 23 FEB 2001
Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000 255.16
Ranked 81st. 3% more than Ukraine
247.69
Ranked 99th.

Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000 260.8
Ranked 49th. 3% more than Ukraine
254.38
Ranked 59th.

Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 40.31 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 3rd. 10 times more than Ukraine
3.99 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 15th.

Personnel > % of total labor force 1.98%
Ranked 35th. 62% more than Ukraine
1.22%
Ranked 65th.

Armed forces personnel > % of total labor force 1.94%
Ranked 28th. 2 times more than Ukraine
0.93%
Ranked 75th.

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people 4.87
Ranked 216th.
5.53
Ranked 200th. 14% more than Russia
Military expenditure > % of GDP 4.33%
Ranked 9th. 52% more than Ukraine
2.85%
Ranked 28th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000 151.38
Ranked 153th.
154.39
Ranked 148th. 2% more than Russia

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females 781,570
Ranked 14th. 3 times more than Ukraine
276,324
Ranked 39th.

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females 660,359
Ranked 17th. 3 times more than Ukraine
234,916
Ranked 49th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people 4.64
Ranked 212th.
5.12
Ranked 206th. 10% more than Russia
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000 5.51
Ranked 188th.
5.97
Ranked 173th. 8% more than Russia

Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000 202.61
Ranked 66th.
203.83
Ranked 65th. 1% more than Russia

Expenditure > % of central government expenditure 18.76%
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Ukraine
6.54%
Ranked 25th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000 167.66
Ranked 85th.
203.74
Ranked 39th. 22% more than Russia

Manpower available for military service > Females age 18-49 per 1000 253.25
Ranked 15th. 4% more than Ukraine
244.48
Ranked 24th.

SOURCES: Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (List); IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_industry#World.27s_largest_arms_exporters

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/indexes/global-peace-index, Global Rankings. Vision of Humanity.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel (The list); World Development Indicators database; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; The Nuclear Threat Initiative; Uppsala Conflict Data Program, http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/.; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance.; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_industry#World.27s_largest_arms_exporters

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Yearbook: Armaments, Disarmament and International Security.; IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, Switzerland, 1997. Data collected from the nations concerned, unless otherwise indicated. Acronyms: Amnesty International (AI); European Council of Conscripts Organizations (ECCO); Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC); International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHFHR); National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO); Service, Peace and Justice in Latin America (SERPAJ); War Resisters International (WRI); World Council of Churches (WCC); Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE): A Review and Update of Key Treaty Elements (US Department of State: Washington, DC, Jan. 2002). Joint Consultative Group (JCG), Group on Treaty Operation and Implementation, JCG document JCG.TOI/22/03, 23 June 2003; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm.; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC); CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE): A Review and Update of Key Treaty Elements (US Department of State: Washington, DC, Jan. 2002). Joint Consultative Group (JCG), Group on Treaty Operation and Implementation, JCG document JCG.TOI/22/03, 23 June 2003. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: NATO; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. GDP figures sourced from World Bank national accounts data, and OECD National Accounts data files.; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.

Citation

3

As the Ukrainian Revolution escalated last month, Western nations and the Ukrainian Government claimed that Russian Special Forces and paramilitary units occupied the borders around Ukraine. However, Russia insisted that these were not military troops but self defence forces. There is an ongoing crisis in the region due to the friction between NATO and Russia set off by the revolution and reunification of Crimea to Russia. According to the United States and the European Union, this is a blatant violation of international law.

Russia has already deployed a total of 10,000 combat troops in multiple locations and has taken over 189 military bases in Crimea. Ukraine has withdrawn its forces because of threats to the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and their families. Russian assault units have taken control of the Ukrainian Naval Base in Feodosia at the Crimean Port and captured approximately 80 soldiers. Likewise, Russian armoured personnel carriers have entered the Belbek Air Base and Novofederoskoe Military Base. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry also announced that an assault team from Russia composed of two helicopters and three speed boats as well as a tug boat have captured a naval vessel of Ukraine in Crimea.

Both the United Nations and the United States have condemned the military action of Russia but have not instituted any armed measures against Russia. Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovuch fled to Russia and sought the help of Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore legitimacy in his country. Meanwhile Interim Ukrainian President Oleksandr Tuchynov believes that the decision of Russia to commit aggression will hurt both nations. International observers are convinced that Russia has a plant to establish another form of Soviet Union.

Posted on 14 Apr 2014

Luke.Metcalfe

Luke.Metcalfe

137 Stat enthusiast

1

Should the world see an escalation in the Ukrainian crisis, the world will witness the country getting trampled over by the Russian military. Here’s why:

First of all, Russia is superior to Ukraine in almost all aspects; geographically, economically, numerically, and technologically, Russia is ahead in whichever aspect you may look at. This is primarily due to the fact that when the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), most of the country’s assets belonged to Russia. There were a considerable number and variety of economic and military assets which were taken by Ukraine, by these were insignificant in comparison to Russia.

Ukraine gets most of its weapons from Russia. Basically, most of these weapons are ageing soviet-era weapons that are no match to the modern and highly-advanced Russian arsenal, many of which are already in the Crimean region.

There is a considerable parcel of the population in Ukraine which is sympathetic to the Russian invasion of Crimea. The huge number of Russian-speaking Ukrainians even sought independence from Ukraine. This is highlighted by the referendum in Crimea which showed that its people wanted to be a part of Russia.

Ukraine does not have the financial muscle in order to upgrade and even maintain its arsenal. On the other hand, Russia has fat coffers which Putin generously use in order to bulk up Russia’s military might. Ukraine does possess state-of-the-art weapons, including the Su-35, but its pilots lack the expertise and efficiency of their Russian counterparts.

That is, of course, if the crisis escalates. While there are a lot of war of words between politicians and media of the two nations, diplomacy would ultimately resolve the said conflict. There is just too much at stake – both have so much to lose in an event of a war between the two former allies.

Posted on 06 Apr 2014

Edsel.G

Edsel.G

247 Stat enthusiast

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