RH 4.2.26 | Russia: Luhansk Claims, Drone Strikes, Recruitment Woes & Diplomatic Fallout

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  In today's episode, we're breaking down the latest from Russia's chaotic military efforts and Ukraine's growing global power moves. Things are heating up on all fronts as Russia makes some bold (and, let's be honest, questionable) claims about full control of Luhansk, while Ukraine continues to flex its muscle with drone strikes and defense partnerships. Here's what you need to know:  Russia is calling Luhansk fully under its control again, but Ukraine isn't buying it—what's new, right? These repeated claims are part of a pattern, and our episode digs into the latest updates on how things are really shaking out on the ground. Spoiler alert: it's not as straightforward as Moscow would like us to believe.  On the battlefield, the drone war is far from over. Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have caused major disruptions, with Russia's ability to export oil slashed by 40% in March alone. And in a rare move, Russia launched a daylight drone attack on Ukraine, leading to casualties and more destruction of critical infrastructure. We dive into how these strikes are not just tactical—they're hitting Russia where it really hurts: in the pocketbook.  But it's not just about military action. Ukraine is making waves on the global stage, forming new defense partnerships with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Their drone technology is now a hot commodity worldwide as these nations look to bolster their defenses against Iran's growing threats. Ukraine's shift from defense to international defense tech powerhouse is a key takeaway from today's episode.  Meanwhile, Russia's internal struggles are becoming harder to ignore. The Kremlin is tapping into businesses to help with recruitment, forcing private companies in Ryazan Oblast to nominate employees for military contracts. This move is a sign that Russia's military is running out of options when it comes to maintaining a fighting force. And let's not forget, morale is at an all-time low, as soldiers are sent into battle with outdated equipment and dwindling support.  We also touch on some diplomatic drama with Hungary, which is actively undermining the EU's support for Ukraine by aiding Russia in bypassing sanctions. This isn't just political maneuvering—it's about weakening EU unity, and the fallout from this behind-the-scenes deal could shake things up in the coming weeks.  This episode is packed with updates on the military, economic, and diplomatic shifts that are reshaping the geopolitical landscape. Don't miss out on the latest developments—tune in for your fix of all things Russia, Ukraine, and beyond.  👉 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.