Russia retreats as Ukraine regains - Jason Jay Smart
Moscow built its Black Sea fleet to intimidate Europe, yet Ukraine has forced Putins navy into visible retreat around Crimea and the Kerch Bridge. Ukrainian drones, missiles, and sea strikes now reach assets Moscow once treated as protected, leaving ships covered with cages instead of projecting power. Warships that once threatened the region are being turned into floating proof that Russias naval advantage is narrowing fast.
Drones have pushed the kill zone roughly 20 km (12 mi) behind the front, making Russian movement dangerous before assaults begin. Russian trucks, depots, radars, command posts, patrol boats, and drone teams are being hit before they can support attacks. Instead of restoring control, Moscow is losing Starlink access, restricting Telegram, shutting down internet, and exposing fraud inside its own drone industry.
Financial damage is spreading through the same system trying to save the Black Sea fleet. Oil and gas revenue fell more than 38% across four months, while Russia already recorded a deficit of about $79 billion. After paying billions for North Korean weapons and Iranian-designed drones, the Kremlin still lacks a stable path forward. Putin promised expansion, but his regime is now caging ships, hiding losses, and burning future stability to keep fighting.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro: Russia's Naval Fleet Buckles
02:48 - Truth Shield: Dr. Smart's Ukraine Award
03:53 - Caged Navy: Ukraine Drones Paralyze Russian Ships
06:46 - Elite Theft: Putins Corrupt Drone Program Exposed
08:21 - False Allies: Russia Pays North Korea Billions
10:24 - Nuclear Risk: Russias Secret Shipments to North Korea
11:40 - Fiscal Quagmire: Russias Energy Sector Is Imploding
13:51 - Terminal Decay: Putin Leads Russia to Collapse