RH 4.22.26 | Russia's Struggles, Ukraine's Innovation, and Shifting Global Power

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  Russia is in deep trouble, and Ukraine is showing no signs of slowing down. In today's episode, we break down the latest developments with Russia's increasingly embarrassing military claims, the mounting economic pressures it's facing, and the latest strategic moves from Kyiv. Whether it's Russia exaggerating its territorial gains in Ukraine or Ukraine's innovative defense tactics like intercepting drones with naval drones, we've got the details that matter most.  First up, we dive into the Russian military struggles. General Valery Gerasimov's claims of sweeping victories are being exposed as exaggerated fantasies. The reality on the ground tells a very different story, with Russian forces failing to make substantial progress in their Spring-Summer 2026 offensive. While Gerasimov may be hyping up Russia's successes, the truth is clear—Ukraine is still holding firm and making tactical advancements of its own.  Next, we talk about the economic pain Russia's feeling. Despite the short-term oil windfalls, the sanctions and military spending are taking a toll. Russia's economy is walking a fine line, and any dip in oil prices could tip the scales. We'll walk you through the numbers, the hidden inflation, and how Russia's struggles are far from over.  But it's not all doom and gloom for Ukraine. We discuss how Ukraine is pushing the boundaries of defense innovation. Forget the old tactics of combat; Ukraine is intercepting Russian drones using naval drones—yes, you heard that right! This tech-savvy approach is the future of defense, and it's happening right now. This isn't just a battle for territory; it's a technological arms race, and Ukraine is showing it's ahead of the game.  Back on Russian soil, we look at some of the internal struggles Putin's regime is facing. With public dissent rising and the Kremlin's standard tactics of control starting to show cracks, Russia is on edge. We even dive into a mysterious FSB operation where a so-called terrorist plot was foiled. But was it real, or just a show to remind the public that Russia is always "on guard"?  Lastly, we zoom out and take a look at Russia's global standing. Moscow's role in the Middle East is fading, and China is increasingly calling the shots. While Russia might still be sending drones to Iran, China's already solidified its dominance in global negotiations. Russia's partnership with China may look strong on paper, but it's more transactional than ever before.  👉 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.