Der Spiegel assessed whether Europe can withstand Putin.

Experts researched the possibility of Europe withstanding military confrontation with Russia.

According to an article by Der Spiegel, cited by BRIEFLY, European countries have significant shortcomings in important military potentials, although they possess good artillery, tanks, and fighters. However, compared to Russia, Europe turns out to be stronger.

According to NATO, member countries have 2 million soldiers, while Russia has 1.1 million. Europe has more tanks (6700 compared to 2900 in Russia) and fighters (2300 compared to less than 1400). But Europe's particular advantage lies in artillery. It has over 15,400 guns, while Russia has only 6090.

Austrian military expert Gustav Gressel expressed the opinion that Russia has more soldiers than IISS estimates. Also, the number of weapons in European NATO countries has limited impact.

According to experts, Europe has problems with air defense and intelligence. Also, the French Caesar howitzer and the German Panzerhaubitze 2000 are technically superior, but Russia surpasses European countries in the number of rocket systems.

Europe has weak points in combat readiness and some other aspects. However, NATO prioritizes airspace and the development of new weapons. Europe also has some capability for air combat due to fighters that outperform their Russian counterparts.

Overall, although Europe has its shortcomings, its military potentials surpass those of Russia. At the same time, the achievements of the European army depend on cooperation with the USA.