The article discusses the challenges faced by Russia’s military-industrial complex due to Western sanctions and their impact on the country’s ability to wage war in Ukraine. It highlights how Russia has been relying heavily on imported components, including semiconductors, to produce its military hardware.
The article notes that Russia has been using Soviet-era equipment, which is being retrofitted for modern use, to supplement its losses. However, even these stockpiles are finite and will eventually run out.
Experts interviewed in the article suggest that further sanctions could be effective in putting pressure on Moscow’s war machine. They recommend targeting Russia’s ability to import components, including cotton for bullets, metal-working machine tools, and oil exports.
The article also touches on the possibility of Kyiv launching intermediate-range ballistic missile strikes on factories and R&D institutes in Russia’s European segment to destroy the weapons being fired at Ukraine. However, this option is not favored by allies due to its high-risk nature.
Key points from the article:
* Russia’s military-industrial complex relies heavily on imported components, including semiconductors.
* Soviet-era equipment is being retrofitted for modern use to supplement losses.
* Further sanctions could be effective in putting pressure on Moscow’s war machine.
* Targeting Russia’s ability to import components, such as cotton and metal-working machine tools, could cripple its military production.
* Kyiv may consider launching intermediate-range ballistic missile strikes on Russian factories and R&D institutes.
