[hearsathought]

> Russias GDP is on par with South Korea’s.

Doesn't that show you what a silly measure GDP (nominal ) is? Do you think south korea could carry out a multi-year war against US/NATO under international sanctions? South korea would collapse immediately under international sanctions. South korea wouldn't be able to feed its own population let alone fund a war under international sanctions. Also using GDP( PPP ), russia's economy is 2X+ larger than south korea.

> Hate to be that guy, but source?

There obviously isn't any. Nobody has trillions for bribes. Trillions is war money, not bribe money.