RH 4.21.26 | Russia's Economic Strain, Drone Warfare, and Shifting EU Alliances

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  In this episode, we're diving into the latest geopolitical headlines, starting with Russia's economic meltdown. The Kremlin's trying to keep its financial boat afloat, but the cracks are showing. The economy is struggling, and Russia's manufacturing sectors are feeling the burn, especially as they try to fund the war in Ukraine. But don't be fooled—while the West focuses on sanctions, Moscow's internal issues are quietly building, and we're here to break it all down.  Next up, Ukraine isn't sitting back while Russia's making its moves. Ukraine's drone game is stronger than ever, and they're not just playing defense. Ukraine's armed forces have been using unmanned ground vehicles for high-risk attacks, and they're launching them in new, innovative ways. The best part? These drones aren't just for recon—they're carrying explosive payloads and taking down key Russian positions. From sky to sea, Ukraine is taking the fight to Moscow, with sea-based drones now intercepting Russian aerial threats. We've seen the future of warfare, and it's unfolding in real-time on the frontlines of Ukraine.  Speaking of Ukraine, they've got big plans to bolster Europe's defense. President Zelensky is pushing for a pan-European anti-ballistic missile defense system. Why? Because Ukraine can't rely on the US or NATO's existing defense systems forever. The SAMP/T system is nice, but it's limited. Fire Point, a Ukrainian company, is working with European firms to create a low-cost alternative, and Zelensky's pushing hard to get this defense up and running by next year. It's a game-changer for Europe's defense capabilities, and it's clear that Ukraine is leading the charge to make sure NATO doesn't get caught flat-footed.  Meanwhile, back in Russia, things are heating up internally. Even Russia's influencers are stepping up to criticize the Kremlin, calling out officials for hiding economic and social problems. It's not just the influencers, though—the FSB's arrest of a German woman allegedly tied to a Ukrainian terrorist plot is raising eyebrows. Whether it's true or not, the Kremlin is clearly sending a message: they're on high alert, both internally and externally.  Finally, we wrap things up with a look at shifting political dynamics in Europe. With Hungary's Orbán out and Bulgaria's Rumen Radev gaining traction, Russia's hoping to pull some strings in the EU's internal politics. But Ukraine's diplomatic push and Europe's renewed focus on self-reliance mean Moscow's influence might not be what it used to be. It's a volatile mix, and as always, we're watching the chess pieces move in real-time.  👉 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.