What has concerned military analysis since the demise of the Soviet Union is the lack of investment in military budgets. This has led to the downgrading of the core European military powers of Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The country feeling most threatened after Ukraine is Poland, they are fast becoming the European military powerhouse investing heavily their military to counter the threat of Russia. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are highly exposed and threatened by Russian aggression. Despite the required national service, the Baltic countries lack the manpower and equipment to counter the Russian threat.

The military capability of NATO weapons production struggles to keep pace with Ukrainian requirements, let alone a broader conflict with Russia. Many NATO nations have supported Ukraine with training, weapons and logistical support. Yet, NATO production has failed to keep pace with Ukrainian demands. Sure, they are holding a strategic reserve, but for the best part, they cannot maintain demand. If the Ukrainian war was to escalate to a broader NATO conflict, this lack of depth would be highly concerning.