Russia’s arms industry and its export capabilities have long been, as Russian President Vladimir Putin put it, a point of national pride. Even after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia claims to be able to meet growing domestic demand and continue arms exports. State-sponsored propaganda promotes the prowess of Russia’s military-industrial complex to reassure both domestic and international audiences of Russia’s ability to not only sustain its war effort in Ukr

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Before the escalated invasion of Ukraine, the political and military leadership of Russia alleged that Ukraine was planning to regain its nuclear status and that it would be receiving the help of Western countries. This claim was reiterated on 9 May 2022, almost three months following the full-scale invasion, during the closely watched Victory Day