Russia’s Moves – The Kremlin’s First Moves of 2023
On New Year’s Eve, a Ukrainian strike targeted a Russian military unit in Makiivka, a city located in eastern Ukraine’s partially Russian-occupied Donetsk region. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that the attack resulted in 89 deaths among its servicemen. Russia has accused Ukraine of locating and attacking its personnel through the unauthorized use of cell phones. Since the start of the year, Russia has launched continuous strikes against Ukraine, leading President Zelenskyy to describe the actions as an attempt by Moscow to “exhaust” the country through prolonged offensives. President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared for potential new Russian offensives and will “throw everything they have left” at the ongoing conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a frigate with new hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles into the Atlantic and Indian oceans. During a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Igor Krokhmal, commander of the frigate named “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov,” Putin stated that the ship was equipped with Zircon hypersonic weapons, which he described as having “no analogs.” Shoigu stated that the Zircon hypersonic missiles could overcome any missile defense system. The missiles have a range of over 1,000km and fly at nine times the speed of sound. Hypersonic weapons are seen to gain an advantage over any adversary due to their high speeds and maneuverability. Russia, China, and the United States are racing to develop such weapons.
What do you think about the ongoing situation in Ukraine? Will Hypersonic weapons affect the markets?
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I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.