Brief Summary
This video discusses Ukraine's new strategy in 2025 to pressure Russia into ending the war by disrupting the lives of ordinary Russians without directly targeting civilians. This involves long-range drone strikes that cause airport closures, economic strain, and internet shutdowns, aiming to create discontent and financial pressure on Putin's regime.
- Ukraine is strategically disrupting daily life in Russia to create discontent.
- Long-range drone strikes are key, causing airport closures and economic losses.
- Russia's response includes internet shutdowns, further inconveniencing citizens.
- The goal is to increase the monetary cost of the war for Russia, potentially destabilizing Putin's position.
Introduction: Ukraine's New Strategy
Ukraine has shifted from a defensive stance to a strategy aimed at making life difficult for Russian civilians to pressure Putin into ending the war. This approach focuses on disrupting daily life rather than direct attacks on civilians, a tactic employed by Russia. The goal is to bring the war home to Russia by creating inconveniences that are impossible to ignore, with Moscow being a primary target.
Avoiding Direct Attacks on Civilians
Ukraine's strategy does not involve direct attacks on Russian civilians, distinguishing it from Russia's tactics in Ukraine, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. The United Nations reported a sharp increase in civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine due to Russian attacks. Ukraine is more interested in legitimate military targets and wants to avoid being portrayed as terrorists.
Disrupting Daily Life in Russia
Ukraine aims to disrupt the daily lives of ordinary Russians to make them aware of the impact of Putin's war. Long-range drones are central to this strategy, exposing the Russian population to the effects of the war and creating discontent. Travel problems are a key component, as Russia's size makes travel a necessity, and disruptions can be costly.
Travel Disruptions and Airport Closures
Ukraine's drone strikes, targeting military and oil facilities, also lead to airport closures, causing significant travel disruptions. Russian airports have experienced frequent shutdowns, particularly in 2025, with hundreds of flights diverted, delayed, or canceled, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. These disruptions result in financial losses for both travelers and airlines.
Economic Impact on Civilians and Airlines
Ukraine's strategy is hitting Russian civilians in their wallets, exacerbating the effects of a struggling economy with high inflation and interest rates. Airlines are also suffering significant financial losses due to flight cancellations and delays. The goal is to make life as uncomfortable as possible for Russians, potentially leading to the bankruptcy of airlines and reduced travel options.
Cyberattacks on Russian Infrastructure
A pro-Ukraine hacking group, Silent Crow, conducted a cyberattack on Aeroflot, causing flight cancellations and delays, which cost the airline millions of dollars. This incident highlights the vulnerability of Russian infrastructure and adds to the disruptions caused by drone strikes.
Deep Strike Dilemma and Increasing Drone Production
Ukraine's deep strikes on Russian territory, while not directly targeting airports, force closures due to proximity to military targets. These strikes have caused significant damage to Russia's energy sector and ammunition supplies, costing billions of dollars. Ukraine is increasing its drone production, aiming for 30,000 long-range drones in 2025, and collaborating with partners like the U.K. to enhance its deep strike capabilities.
Russia's Response: Internet Shutdowns
Russia's response to Ukraine's drone strikes includes shutting down mobile internet networks to disrupt drone navigation. However, this tactic further inconveniences Russian citizens, reminding them of the impact of the war on their daily lives. Internet shutdowns affect millions, especially since mobile phones are the primary means of internet access for many Russians.
Ukraine's Goals: Creating Discontent and Financial Pressure
Ukraine's strategy aims to make the war impossible to ignore for ordinary Russians, creating discontent and anger. While a rebellion against Putin is unlikely, the primary goal is to inflict a high monetary cost on Russia, forcing Putin to end the war. If the war ends without Putin achieving his goals, his position becomes vulnerable.
