Russia Defies Sanctions, Boosts Missile Production Despite Challenges

Russia has managed to expand its missile production beyond prewar levels, despite sanctions and export controls imposed by the West, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to intensified attacks. Moscow has used illicit networks and smuggling routes to secure critical components for missile production, bypassing export restrictions. The increased missile stocks pose a significant threat to Ukrainian citizens and infrastructure. The United States has provided air defense systems to help Ukraine defend against Russian missiles and drones, but the country still lacks sufficient coverage. While the West has tried to curb the export of key components to Russia, it has struggled to stop the flow through countries with ties to Moscow. Russia's military production has surged, with increased ammunition and tank production, but it faces shortages of rocket propellant and basic explosives. The increased military production has come at a great cost to the Russian economy, and further industrial gains may be constrained by labor shortages.