Does Russia have a strong army?

No, and it never has been. There have been times in history that it could be argued that the Russian Army or the army of the former Soviet Union had more weapons, or more troops, but this is no indication of might.

Consider for a moment that the US Army was on the ground in Vietnam for over twenty years. The US Army then as now was one of the most technologically advanced military forces in the world. Yet, that a bunch of low tech jungle fighters effectively kicked the snot out of us proves that mass and might do not equate to stronger or better.

The Russian military is nothing to hold in low regard. Their soldiers are as tough and as well trained as any of the best. It is the structure of a nation's military and the leaders at the top who determine its effectiveness, however.

The current Russian Army is by this premise no stronger or better than the US Army nor any less so.