RH 3.31.26 | Russia: Drone Strikes, Oil Chaos, Middle East Deals & Putin's Cracks

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we're diving deep into the heart of the Ukraine-Russia conflict with some major updates you don't want to miss. Russia's struggling to keep its oil exports flowing, Ukraine is out there making new diplomatic alliances, and we've got a fascinating look at the role of drones in modern warfare. Trust us, this one's packed.  First up, Ukraine is continuing to hit Russia where it hurts, and it's not just the frontlines we're talking about. Ukrainian drone strikes have once again disrupted Russia's critical oil export hubs in the Baltic Sea. We're talking about Ust-Luga and Primorsk — two major terminals that move over a million barrels of oil every day. This isn't just a tactical move; it's a hit to Russia's economy, and Ukraine's making sure they feel it. The fires burning at these ports have caused massive disruptions, and this kind of economic warfare could have long-term effects. You'll want to hear just how deep Ukraine's new drone strategy is running.  But don't worry, we're not stopping there. President Zelensky has been busy too. He's been securing major defense deals with Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. These countries are getting in on joint drone production and air defense cooperation with Ukraine. And if you thought drones were just for Ukraine's defense, think again. Zelensky's been laying the groundwork for an international drone empire, and the Middle East is all in on it. This is a game-changer.  Meanwhile, Russia is getting squeezed from the inside. Recruitment woes, morale problems, and a serious struggle to replenish the ranks are starting to show cracks in Russia's military machine. Russian milbloggers — who've long towed the Kremlin line — are now openly calling out the Ministry of Defense. Recruitment rates are dropping, and Moscow can't seem to fill its ranks fast enough, especially with the ongoing casualty rates. It's starting to look like Russia's military might not have the reserves it once did.  And of course, the spy game continues. Russia's been busy expelling diplomats and accusing them of espionage, and Ukraine's counterintelligence is making waves of its own. We've got the latest updates on that and how the cyber world is becoming just as important as the physical battlefield.  We're also taking a quick detour to Cuba, where a Russian oil tanker is making its way to the island, despite the ongoing US blockade. The optics are complicated, and the geopolitical implications are huge. Should the US push back, or is this a fight they don't want right now?  And lastly, we've got some hilarious drama out of Germany. Rheinmetall's CEO called Ukrainian drone manufacturers "housewives with 3D printers" — and the backlash was swift. The #MadeByHousewives movement took off, reminding the world just how much those "kitchen drones" are actually burning Russian tanks and changing the battlefield. It's not just a funny moment; it's a sharp reminder of Ukraine's resourcefulness and how they're reshaping modern warfare.  👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.