Ukraine attacks Russia's oil infrastructure & Kyiv's economy after two years of war
Jan 22, 2024
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"Ukraine: The Latest" podcast features guests David Knowles, Dominic Nicholls, Joe Barnes, and Liliane Bivings who discuss recent drone strikes in Ukraine, political developments in Ukraine and Russia, challenges in attracting international investment, the potential war between Russia and NATO, Russia's illegal claim on Alaska, and the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Stay updated on Ukraine's latest news and enjoy ad-free listening.
Russia's recent decree declaring the 1867 sale of Alaska to the USA as illegal is part of a wider pattern of provocative actions and rhetoric from Russia.
Ukraine's economy is at risk due to heavy reliance on external financing, with approximately $37 billion needed this year.
Ukraine is focusing on developing its military tech industry, particularly in areas like drone production and cybersecurity.
Deep dives
Russia's claim on Alaska as illegal generates domestic support
Russia's recent decree declaring the 1867 sale of Alaska to the USA as illegal is seen as a political move to play to Putin's domestic audience ahead of the March elections. Such claims are likely to increase as Putin seeks to consolidate his power and maintain popularity. The impact on Ukraine's economy may be negligible, but it is part of a wider pattern of provocative actions and rhetoric from Russia.
Warning signs for Ukraine's economy without external financing
Ukraine is heavily reliant on external financing to sustain its economy, and without it, there are warnings of an economic collapse. The country's external financing needs for this year are approximately $37 billion, and without aid approval from the US and Europe, Ukraine's economy is at risk. This reliance on external funding is a major concern and has deterred commercial investment in the country.
The importance of developing Ukraine's military tech industry
Ukraine is focusing on developing its military tech industry, particularly in areas like drone production and cybersecurity. These sectors offer potential for growth and the ability to establish Ukraine as a global defense industry player. Foreign investors are interested in these areas, but barriers to investment, corruption concerns, and limited commercial investment in Ukraine still pose challenges.
The potential scenario of a war with Russia and the importance of the Suwalki Gap
Analysts are warning of a potential war with Russia within the next two decades and point to the Suwalki Gap as a vulnerable area. The Suwalki Gap is a stretch of land located on the border between Poland and Lithuania, connecting Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It is seen as a crucial strategic location that, if controlled by Russia, could cut off Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from their allies in central and western Europe. NATO is aware of this vulnerability and is taking measures to enhance deterrence, such as deploying troops to the region.
Partitioning Ukraine as a proposed solution
There has been discussion about the possibility of partitioning Ukraine as a solution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Some suggest freezing the conflict and establishing a North Korea-South Korea type situation. However, there are concerns that Russia's goals extend beyond the current occupied territories and that partitioning Ukraine would not effectively address the underlying issues. Instead, providing Ukraine with the necessary support, financial aid, and weapons could offer a stronger position for negotiations and potential victories in the conflict.
Today, we bring you latest updates from across Ukraine, discuss the economic developments in the country over the past two years, and ask how a war with Russia could unfold by focusing on the Suwalki Gap.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @JoeBarnes on Twitter.
Liliane Bivings (Business Editor of the Kyiv Independent). @LilianeBivings on Twitter.
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