Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia's army has undergone a turbulent transformation: from the scattered leftovers of the old Soviet military, through a period of shocking decay and demoralization, to the disciplined force and sophisticated "hybrid war" doctrine that enabled Vladimir Putin to seize Crimea virtually overnight in 2014. Using rare photographs and full-color images of the army in action, profiles of army leaders and defense ministers, as well as orders of battle and details of equipment and dress, this is a vivid account of the army's troubled history and of its current character, capabilities and status. Written by an internationally respected author with remarkable access to Russian-language sources and veterans, this study is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the growing power of Russia's military.

Introduction -- Born in crisis -- The first Chechen War, 1994-96 -- The 1990s : power projection -- The 2000s : first reforms -- 2008 : Georgian turning-point -- Putin's army -- The Russian soldier -- Intervention forces -- Weapons and equipment.