When did Russia become more powerful than the other European countries?

 (Asked on Quora)

Russia was never the most powerful European country prior to 1945. In the post World War II era the Soviet Union was stronger militarily than any other European country. This was a consequence of its gains territorial gains during World War Two, its armed forces expenditure and its Nuclear Program. Contemporary Russia still enjoys the nuclear advantage, but is in obvious decline economically and judging by the performance of its forces in the Ukraine the same can be said of its military prowess.