The article discusses significant concerns regarding Russia's capacity to sustain military operations, particularly in the context of potential aggression towards NATO by 2027. A Polish general highlights that in addition to military forces, factors such as demographics, economy, and finance must be examined to understand the current state of Russia. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia's population has decreased by approximately 2.1 million due to both war casualties and mass emigration of educated citizens seeking better prospects outside of the autocratic regime.

The national birth rate has reached its lowest point in 20 years, and with projections indicating a further decline in population—from 145.5 million to around 135 million by 2050—Russia may face severe demographic challenges that will hinder its military ambitions. The general suggests that these demographic issues could significantly restrict Russia's ability to engage in prolonged warfare against Ukraine and potentially limit its aggressive stances towards NATO in the near future.

As the article illustrates, the declining population and associated social issues pose a serious threat to Russia's military readiness. The analysis encourages a broader understanding of how internal factors could influence external military actions, making it vital for NATO to monitor Russia's demographic and economic trajectories as they could play a crucial role in any future conflict scenarios.