Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes Make Russia Turn Inward
Ukraine has used its long-range strike capacity to target Russia’s energy infrastructure with increased frequency, putting Russia’s fuel supply chain under greater pressure. The diverse targets and the spread of locations pose a challenge to Russian military decision-making about which targets remain a priority to defend with finite air-defence resources.
Saudi Arabia Develops Alternative Oil Routes, But at a Cost
Saudi Arabia’s adaptation has demonstrated export route resilience through developing alternative export options. With the overland East–West Pipeline now disrupted, Saudi exports have increased their reliance on maritime export movements.
Reciprocal Economic Warfare in the Black Sea
Black Sea economic warfare continues, with Russia indicating an expansion of operations against Ukraine's economic sectors after a failed truce proposal. Ukraine’s strikes targeting Russian Black Sea terminals have reduced Russia’s oil exports, while Russia’s attacks against Ukraine’s ports and agriculture-linked vessels escalated significantly in July.