Originally Posted by
Rock_Flock_of_Five
After the CIA started covertly supplying the Afghan mujahideen 'Stinger' missile launchers in their fight against the old Soviet Union, the Soviets were losing an average of one aircraft a day.
It completely changed the way they conducted air operations and instilled a sense of foreboding in the Soviet pilots.
It's common knowledge that the Ukrainians have in their possession a growing number of such weapons, along with potent anti-tank weapons.
Perhaps this is part of the reason why the Russians are making such slow advances, mindful of what could await them once they get in range of such weaponry.