Ukraine War Intel Summary - Day 148

Sanctions hurting Russian military. Putin annexing Ukrainian territory. Zelensky fires intel chief. Russia targets US HIMARS.

July 21, 2022 - Following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia now has more than three times as many sanctions imposed against it than nearest neighbour Iran, with penalties targeting individuals, companies, yachts and aircraft.

Five months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, optimism of the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia has started to wane in some quarters.

But their nature is economic and as such, slow-moving. Their function being to restrict economic activity and ultimately reduce Russia’s military might.

Unfortunately for the United States, its allies and Ukraine, that cannot happen overnight. Instead, sanctions wear down Russia’s war-making ability gradually – eroding its logistical and technical capabilities.

Moscow is aware of this and is one reason why Russia is pushing so hard in Ukraine’s east now – hoping to score a victory before its war machine wears down.