Ukraine Strikes Drain Russia's War Budget - Jason Jay Smart

[TexasTowelie]

Ukrainian drones and long-range strikes are converting battlefield hits into a financial crisis for Moscow. We track how a scarce Russian support ship is disabled near Novorossiysk, while a Black Sea Fleet communications hub is cratered 295 km (183 mi) from the front, slowing command and control. Deep inside Russia, refinery strikes up to 1,400 km (870 mi) away are shrinking the diesel and jet fuel supply for soldiers and civilians alike, while damage 1,600 km (995 mi) away cuts chemicals needed for ammunition production.

The chain is straightforward. When refineries stumble, fuel gets tighter, logistics slow, and a Baltic oil hub is disrupted. This creates single points of failure, forcing the Kremlin to spend more rubles on repairs and subsidies instead of new kit. With less cash from oil exports, Moscow’s budget is strained, while command and control lags make ships and depots easier targets.

Europe is narrowing Russia’s recovery window by shooting down Russian drones over Ukraine and integrating air defenses. This cooperation raises interception rates and strengthens insurers against risk. The picture that emerges is not just on-camera damage, but consistent pressure on the balance sheet. Fewer exports mean less fuel, slower repairs, and a shrinking capacity to threaten Ukraine or Europe. The distances prove that depth inside Russia no longer equals safety.

00:00 Ukraine's Winning Strategy
01:43 The Economic Domino Effect
07:52 Putin's Growing Political Isolation
11:04 The Oligarchs Turning Against Putin
14:00 The Unstoppable Fall of the Kremlin
14:58 Outro