Russia Continues Accessing Western Tech For Drones

Russia claims it is permitted to conduct its merchant fleet's passage through the Baltic Sea. He added that they have taken steps to restrict transport links to Kaliningrad and create conditions for the region's isolation. This claim comes as Russian air defense systems reportedly downed 215 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions. Airports in Pulkovo and Khrabrovo experienced temporary operational restrictions, while Krasnodar, Gelendzhik, and Sochi resumed normal air traffic. This raises questions for Putin's political technologists and the presidential administration on how to cultivate public affection when the FSB is taking away their main tool: information and the ability to disseminate it. Reports from independent media indicate that the FSB is blocking information and the ability to distribute it. This action is seen as an attempt by the FSB to regain public affection for Putin. The longer Putin remains in power, the further he drifts from reality, receiving only information he wishes to hear. This process is described as inevitable and typical for vertical power structures. Russia is continuing to access Western technologies for drone production, with new drone samples containing components manufactured in Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United States, Taiwan, and Britain. This indicates Russia is finding ways to obtain Western technology despite existing restrictions. Vladyslav Vlasyuk, the authorized representative for sanctions policy, stated that sanctions pressure must be continuously strengthened to close these supply channels.