“With respect, Vladimir Vladimirovich, while you are correct on both counts, the FSB’s assessment is that these are both little more than political posturing. At present. A timely headline in their newspapers and no more. While the Americans have a brigade spread from Estonia to Bulgaria, that hardly counts as a military capability. Only when the brigade is assembled together, and properly trained with the nations it is to operate alongside, can it possibly become effective. And that has not happened. Nor can it happen in less than a week and we will have achieved our objectives well within that timeframe. As for the second brigade’s worth of vehicles kept in storage, that is hardly relevant. Only when the vehicles are fully crewed and it, too, is concentrated will it be an effective force. So while NATO can do little at present, there remains the danger of a continued build-up of forces by the West, which could well threaten us in time.”

“And the British?”

“Good fighters and still, for their size, the most capable armed forces in Europe, even if some of their generals are keener to tell their politicians what they want to hear than command as soldiers. Nevertheless, man for man, they are still a match for anyone in the world.”

General Gareyev nodded his agreement.

Komarov saw the President’s momentary flash of irritation at the acknowledgment of the fighting qualities of the British, quickly subside at the criticism of British generalship.

Merkulov continued. “Extra spending? It is all show. More headlines. The British government is playing political smoke and mirrors with its defense budget by now including not only the costs of the intelligence agencies, but also civil service pensions, to get them over the two percent of GDP line. The military spending cuts of the past decade will take years to put right and would cost much, much more than they plan to spend. After all, Vladimir Vladimirovich, it is costing us a forty-per-cent annual increase in defense spending just to start putting right the neglect of those traitors Gorbachev and Yeltsin.”

“What are their vulnerabilities, Lavrentiy Pavlovich?” persisted the President.

“The list is long and responsibility for much of it lies with Defense Secretary Everage. He made millions in the processed-meat business. But knowing how to make a margin on sausages does not necessarily give you any understanding of geostrategy or war. How could it? That requires people with a sense of history and experience of war.” Merkulov allowed himself the hint of a smile.

The President nodded for him to continue, clearly enjoying the insult.