Fated Outcomes
To declare that an event is destined, fated, or completely unavoidable, Russian uses an independent infinitive clause. You simply put the logical subject (the person or thing experiencing the fate) in the dative case and follow it with an infinitive verb.
This structure is very frequently used with the verb быть (to be) to express that an event "is meant to be" or is bound to happen.
| Because of the old prophecy, this battle is definitely bound to happen. | Из-за старого пророчества этой битве точно быть. |
Absolute Impossibility
Adding не to this structure expresses that an outcome is completely impossible due to circumstances, fate, or a lack of power. It translates roughly to "there is no way for [subject] to do X" or "it is impossible for [subject] to do X."
Just like with destined outcomes, the person or thing attempting the action takes the dative case.
| A simple warrior cannot defeat this dark sorcerer. | Простому воину не одолеть этого тёмного колдуна. |
| We have no one to discuss this curse with, and we cannot prevent it! | Нам ни с кем не обсудить это проклятие, и нам его не предотвратить! |
Asking About Fate and Consequences
You can use this same construction in questions to ask if a grim outcome is truly unavoidable, often combining it with words like неужели (is it really possible that / really?).
| Are our warriors really unable to retreat from ruin? | Неужели нашим воинам не отступить от гибели? |
Because these infinitive clauses are independent, you can easily combine them with other clauses—or with each other—to establish high-stakes conditions and their fated consequences.
| If the warriors cannot defeat the sorcerer, great trouble and ruin are inevitable! | Если воинам не одолеть колдуна, быть великой беде и гибели! |
