Ukraine Is Escaping Trump’s Permission Trap-and it’s Bad News for Putin
Newsweek • • world
Key Points:
- Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, targeting key infrastructure and exposing vulnerabilities in Russia's capital despite Kremlin denials and censorship efforts.
- The attack showcased Ukraine's growing domestic production of long-range drones and missiles, allowing Kyiv to conduct strikes independently of Western weapon transfers and circumvent U.S. and German restrictions.
- Ukraine’s expanding indigenous strike capabilities reduce reliance on Western aid amid shifting U.S. focus to Iran, highlighting Kyiv’s need for self-sufficiency in sustaining its war effort.
- Drone strikes near Moscow increase political pressure on Putin by making the war feel immediate to Russian civilians and undermining Kremlin credibility, though public support for the war remains relatively stable.
- While Ukraine still depends on Western military support, its ability to strike deep into Russian territory with locally made weapons marks a significant shift in the conflict's dynamics and challenges Russia’s defensive posture.