In this jam-packed episode of The Mad Minute, we’re diving deep into the latest developments straight out of Russia — from the escalating drone war to Putin’s ideological shift and the reintroduction of Cold War-era nuclear tactics. Things are heating up as Russia ramps up its nationalistic rhetoric while its military continues to make slow but steady advances in eastern Ukraine. Putin’s latest moves include a full-on embrace of Russian Orthodoxy and nationalism, with an eye on cementing his ideological vision for the future of Russia. What does this mean for the West? We’re breaking it down.
On the frontlines, Ukraine’s not backing down. The drone wars are in full swing, with Ukrainian forces launching one of their biggest drone barrages in recent history, targeting Russian regions including Moscow. Russian air defenses are struggling to keep up, and the strikes are having a profound impact on both civilian infrastructure and Russian morale. The use of drones has completely changed the way this war is being fought — and it’s only going to get more intense. We also take a closer look at Russia’s response to these attacks and how its military continues to adapt, including a troubling uptick in the use of nuclear-tipped air-to-air missiles. Is Russia trying to send a message? You bet.
But it’s not just about the battlefield — the economic toll of this war is weighing heavily on Russia, too. With nearly one-third of Russia’s federal budget classified, the Kremlin is pushing military spending to new heights. However, that secrecy comes with major risks, including further sanctions and the increasing difficulty of sustaining this costly conflict. We’ll break down how Russia is trying to keep its war machine running, despite mounting economic pressures.
Meanwhile, NATO is flexing its muscles in response to Russian aggression, particularly along the northern flank. Finland and Sweden are stepping up their defenses, and NATO’s joint military exercises are sending a clear message to Moscow: the alliance is ready for whatever comes next.
Catch all the latest updates on Russia’s military strategy, ideological shifts, and the future of NATO’s role in today’s episode of The Mad Minute. Don’t miss it!
