I was in Czechoslovakia in 1990. I saw the Russian garrison in Trnava. The Soviets confiscated a building near the city center. They stationed about 20 troops in that building. I saw the young Russian soldiers, in smart uniforms, with rifles on their back, just walking around in the city center.

I doubt these were quality troops. Probably young men fulfilling their conscription duties. But the message was clear: the Russians "owned" Trnava.

These garrisons were in every city in the Soviet Empire.

This is why the Ukrainians are fighting so hard.

The garrisons were recalled shortly after my visit. I think the Warsaw Pact countries stopped paying for them.