Putin Panics: US Sanctions Strike Moscow - Jason Jay Smart

Putin is cornered. Ukraine launches yet another wave of precision drone strikes across Russia—targeting radar installations, fuel depots, and transport hubs in Bryansk, Rostov, Voronezh, Crimea, and Oryol. Russia’s military logistics are being systematically dismantled.

But it gets worse for Putin: U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow. Behind closed doors, a direct message was delivered—agree to a “truce” by August 8, or face new U.S. sanctions. A bipartisan bill is ready, threatening 500% tariffs on any country still buying Russian oil through the shadow fleet. Despite Kremlin pressure, both China and India appear ambivalent about sinking their economies alongside Russia. Will Moscow be left to stand alone?

The reality today is simple: the Kremlin is projecting calm, but panic is spreading.

Putin’s military is decimated, and his economy is collapsing. Refineries are burning, and Russia’s oil revenues have already dropped by 27%. Ukraine isn’t buying the bluff.

The next 48 hours could determine whether Putin maintains control—or loses everything.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Putin’s Fears Arrive
02:37 Kremlin Double-Speak
08:56 Ukraine Drone Strikes
12:48 USA Backing Ukraine?
13:51 Russia is Losing in Everything