How to Win a Land War With Russia

There is a well known phrase that says, "Do not get involved in a land war in Asia." Many of the greatest leaders (Napoleon) and some of the worst (Hitler) have attempted to invade Russia and have failed miserably. Invading Russia is certainly a risky proposition, but there is no reason that a competent military leader could not win a land war with Russia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Attack quickly. A majority of the success that invading countries have experienced has been in the initial attack. Russia has been traditionally slow to mobilize. Any invading nation must take advantage of that and destroy the forces that they encounter along the border.
2. Control the skies. One of the problems that Germany encountered in World War II was the Russians gained aerial superiority. By controlling the skies, you will be able to bomb the Russian forces, and you will reduce the chances of your forces being bombed.
3. Restrain your advances. The primary mistake that dooms any attempt to win a land war with Russia is the overextension of the invading forces. Russia is so vast that it is nearly impossible for an invading force to reach Moscow and retain their logistics.
4. Instigate domestic problems. Russia was defeated in World War I not by Germany, but by Vladimir Lenin. Germany shipped the revolutionary leader back into Russia knowing that he would do all he could to overthrow the czarist regime. There are currently several divisions in the region that an invading force could take advantage of.
5. Make them defend along an extended line. Take advantage of supply shortages and poor logistics that have traditionally ravaged the Russian army. In order to win a land war with Russia you will need to count on a shortage of weapons, ammunition and organization.
6. Give up ground if necessary. In order to win a land war with Russia it may be necessary to give up ground you have gained in order to preserve your lines of supply and communication.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you are being beaten back and giving ground involuntarily the jig is up. Just get out, because it did not work.
• Watch out for the winters, as they can be a bit brisk.
• Be prepared for negative press at home. It will take long time to win a land war with Russia. It will not be popular, but if you stick to these steps you can be successful.