Drones Turn Putin's St. Petersburg Forum Into DISASTER - Jason Jay Smart
Ukraine struck deep into St. Petersburg just as Vladimir Putin opened his showcase economic forum. Smoke near Russias second city undercut the image of strength Moscow wanted to sell to investors, loyalists, and foreign guests.
Oil terminals, naval assets, fuel shortages, battlefield losses, and recruitment gaps now point to the same problem. Each new Ukrainian strike makes Putin spend more, hide more, and explain why Russia keeps paying higher costs for smaller results.
Putins forum was supposed to prove that Russia could absorb sanctions, war, and isolation without breaking. Instead, St. Petersburg became another sign that Moscows economy, military, and political narrative are running out of room.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro: Ukraine Strikes Putin's Showcase In St. Petersburg
01:22 - Bunker Blindness: Putin Evades True Russian Disasters
03:01 - Toxic Math: Russia Trades Troops For Defeat
05:10 - Refining Crisis: Ukraine Cripples Russian Oil Production
06:38 - Coupon Economy: Gas Rationing Spreads Across Russia
09:59 - Pension Looting: Putin Funds Russia's Deficit
12:53 - War Apex: Ukraine Halts Russian Territorial Advances
14:46 - Kremlin Snakes: Putin Buys Foreign Influencers