Russian economy is not going too great….despite what the Reform party, Trump lovin Putin apologists on here claim……
Russia's oil and gas revenues drop by almost 30% in July 2025
Fewer Rubles, yes. But the Ruble is up 40%, so obvs there would be fewer.
Russia is remarkably self-sufficient. They used to depend on grain etc from elsewhere, but not now. Ukraine's will be useful when it is handed over.
I'm pretty disgusted that the EU leaders don't have the Balls to ask Trump why he's taking Putin's line. Is it just all about keeping the US cost down?
Ukraine needs to kill as many Russians as possible, military and otherwise, to put pressure on P at home.
If U blew up the gas line under the Black sea to Europe, that would hurt Russian economy a bit more. But half of Europe gets supplies from it.
Zelensky is one Russian missile or glide bomb away from becoming a historical detail.
Ukraine is nearly out of the 155mm shells used for Western systems although some more supplies have been specified.
They also need 152mms for the ex soviet systems, which the west doesn't make. Ukraine has increased its own refilling and supply capabilities. Overall no, they don't have enough. That's being stressed by Russian commentary, while the West's emphasizes a slightly better long term view.
Earlier this year the Russian firing advantage was over 5 to 1.
We always felt Russia was going to win this. Many of us posted that, about week one.
If R needs to use small nukes, they'll find a reason, and say, "Now see what you've made us do".
Unless Europe steps up its capablilities and willingness to repel Russia, which it's a very long way from right now, I expect P will find other targets in the South East, like Georgia. Europe will probably not care enough to do the necessary to defend a Georgia.
Europe needs the resources to match and beat whatever Russia does. Bear in mind that Russia's initial advances will be ground troops and artillery, which needs a higher level of aggression to deter if you can't match by type. Drone developments will be important and it's Russia leading there now, too.
And Europe is far from a model of unity.