Mark Owen speaks to Jacob Heilbrunn of the Atlantic Council and editor of The National Interest foreign policy magazine as Russia ramps up weapons production for the Ukraine war. Heilbrunn says Russia is going on the offensive as quickly as possible as casualties and war economy debts mount. #Russia#Ukraine#NATO#Putin
One thing I've noticed is that Russia has really focused on the low-hanging fruit, meaning that production increases have been mostly a matter of converting existing production to a 24/7 system. The focus is also on refurbishing old Soviet equipment, rather than creating new production, with limited exceptions for shells, etc.
The problem with 24/7 production is that it GREATLY increases pressure for repairs, spare parts, etc. These are challenges that Russia... /1
@Vittoria ...might not be able to handle all that well, especially for systems that previously relied on Western experts, systems, parts, and precursors.
This refurbishment of previously paid for weapons and huge focus on military also distorts the economy in several ways, often hurting those whose businesses are not military-focused. 17% govt. lending rates to prevent a ruble meltdown are leading to high bankruptcies and debt spirals for consumers, even as the military economy surges.
/end
Add comment