Russia preparing its military-industrial complex for prolonged war in Ukraine - ISW

Russia is attempting to restart or expand the operation of its military-industrial complex to wage a prolonged war in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said this in its latest report published on its website, according to Ukrinform.

The American experts say that the Kremlin is reportedly attempting to mobilize industry to support prolonged war efforts in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported that the Kremlin initiated the “industrial mobilization” of the defense enterprises in early August, banning some employees and the entire leadership at the Russian state industrial conglomerate company Rostec from taking vacations.

The military-industrial commission of the Russian Federation, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is preparing to change the state defense order program by early September to increase expenditures by 600-700 billion rubles (approximately $10 billion).

At the same time, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu likely visited the Uralvagonzavod factory, the largest tank manufacturer in Russia and the producer of Russia’s T-72 main battle tanks, on August 12. It is noted that Uralvagonzavod faced financial issues due to Western-enforced sanctions and failure to meet state contract obligations.

“If true, Shoigu’s visit could suggest that the Kremlin is attempting to restart or expand the operation of the military-industrial complex,” the ISW said.

In addition, on June 30, an amendment to the federal laws on Russian Armed Forces supply matters was submitted to the Russian State Duma. The amendment obliges Russian businesses, regardless of ownership, to fulfill Russian military orders and allows the Kremlin to change work conditions for employees. Putin signed the amendment on July 14, which indicates that the Kremlin will continue to introduce more measures to expand the Kremlin’s direct control over the operations of Russia’s military-industrial complex.

On February 24, Russia began a new phase of the eight-year war against Ukraine – a full-scale offensive. The enemy massively shells and bombs Ukrainian cities and villages. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Territorial Defense Forces, and the entire Ukrainian people effectively resist the Russian troops and inflict heavy losses on them.

iy