Russia has launched a significant offensive against Ukraine's military industry, deploying 1,800 drones and over 1,200 glide bombs since Friday, according to Ukrainian President Zelensky. Military expert Joakim Paasikivi suggests the aim is to deplete Ukraine's ammunition supplies. Meanwhile, the U.S. is preparing a sanctions package against Russia, potentially impacting its economy. This move, supported by Senator Lindsey Graham, could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape.
Russia Targets Ukraine's Military Industry: Expert Insights
Russia Targets Ukraine's Military Industry: Expert Insights
Ukrainian President Zelensky reports that Russia has attacked with 1,800 drones and over 1,200 glide bombs since Friday.
"Russia aims to dismantle the growing defense industry and hopes Ukraine will run out of ammunition," says military expert Joakim Paasikivi to Sveriges Radio.
A total of ten people have reportedly died in the Russian air raids, primarily in western Ukraine since Friday.
According to military expert Joakim Paasikivi, the goal is to cripple Ukraine's military industries, which are concentrated in the western part of the country.
On Monday, U.S. envoys to Ukraine and Russia will travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, for a meeting on continued support for Ukraine.
U.S. Countermeasure: Potential Impact on Russian Economy
Simultaneously, a sanctions package against Russia is being prepared in the U.S. Senate.
Many experts believe this is what Trump's promised "statement on Russia"—also on Monday—will address. On the same day, NATO's chief, Mark Rutte, will visit Washington DC.
"Americans have promised that European countries can purchase American military equipment and donate it to Ukraine. This, combined, could have a significant impact on the Russian economy," Paasikivi tells Sveriges Radio.
"The Game is About to Change"
The proposal for sanctions against Russia is driven by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and could increase tariffs on Russian oil by 500 percent. Companies doing business with Russia could also face sanctions.
"It will be a sledgehammer available to President Trump to target Putin's economy," Graham tells CBS News.
He believes that "the game is about to change" with Trump's statement on Monday.