Stop Fearing a Strong Russia, Start Fearing a Dying One | Opinion
Summary
Russia is facing serious problems including a shrinking population, economic troubles, and military losses due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Russia still has nuclear weapons, its ability to fight a large conventional war is much weaker than many people believe, which creates new risks for international security.Key Facts
- Russia’s population has been declining since 1992, with fewer births than deaths each year.
- Many skilled Russians have left the country, especially after the war started, with over a million people emigrating recently.
- The war in Ukraine has resulted in over 213,000 confirmed Russian deaths, mainly young men, with total casualties possibly near one million.
- Russians are spending more of their income on food, and prices for items like new cars have increased greatly.
- Nearly 40% of Russia’s government spending goes to defense and security, straining the economy.
- Russia has used up much of its old military equipment and cannot easily sustain a large conventional war.
- The main danger now is that Russia, feeling trapped and weak but still holding nuclear weapons, might act unpredictably or increase tensions.
- Western countries need to balance pressure on Russia with efforts to find peaceful ways to reduce the conflict.
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