Putin intensifies air strikes against Ukraine after CIA director's visit to Russia, Russia's fiscal deficit expands

Russian President Putin. (AFP)

The Washington Post reported that after US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Ray Cliff paid a secret visit to Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin stepped up air strikes in Ukraine, using missiles and jet drones to target targets such as water and electricity infrastructure, supermarkets, and granaries. It is believed that the intense bombing campaign can force Kiev, which lacks the Patriot air defense system, to succumb in winter.

The Russian army's advance in the Ukrainian battlefield has almost stalled, and financial pressure is snowballing. As of the end of July, the deficit had reached US$74.4 billion, accounting for approximately 2.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), which was far higher than the government's forecast of a deficit of 1.6% for the whole year. At that time, Ratcliffe warned Russian intelligence leaders that Moscow's posture was not as strong as before and may weaken further in six months to a year. Escalating the war situation may have a counterproductive force and urge Russia to return to the negotiating table.

Please read on...

The Russian leadership believes that as long as it bombs the energy infrastructure and water supply facilities around Kiev, it will push the dissatisfaction of the people to the limit and force the Ukrainian government to try to end the war. Although the negative sentiment among the people is also increasing day by day, the resistance of the Russian people is not as strong as that of the Ukrainians. Putin hopes that time will still be on Russia's side.

No need to draw, no need to grab. Now use the APP to read the news. You are guaranteed to win every day. Click me to download the APP. Click me to see the event details.