And before, to the founding of the Russian identity, when confronted with the Khans and the europeans, they (the princes of Kiev) fought for generations, seasonal wars of attrition. And now they are fighting europe, pointing to the dinipter saying "remember?" Plus this war is much more, as it is the first high tech war, and many outside partys are involved in every way. Just think how SK is shitting square ones knowing that NK has troops fighting on the front lines, and is totaly involved in planning, tacticts and strategy.