Putin orders Kremlin to prepare for new wars: “It is necessary to accelerate the production of robotic systems”

This week Russia launched a landmark new offensive in Ukraine, attacking the capital city of Kyiv and dashing hopes of a future peace deal.

On Thursday a barrage of missiles and drone munitions battered Kyiv’s civilian population, killing at least 12 people. The attack was the deadliest assault on the city since last summer and was described as one of Russia’s “most outrageous” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

One day earlier, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had called for a major increase in military capability. Speaking at a televised meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission on Wednesday, Putin revealed that defensive production had been increased but outlined plans to further bolster efforts.

“For example, production of weapons, communications, reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems more than doubled. The troops received over 4,000 units of armoured weapons, 180 combat aircraft and helicopters,” Putin said.

“I know very well, and many here who are participating in our meeting today know it as well as I do: there are still not enough of these weapons. Not enough.”

“I am sure that all plans to increase production of the necessary equipment, in this case drones, will certainly be fulfilled. They are eagerly awaiting them on the front.”

Russia is now in the fourth year of all-out war against Ukraine, attempting to take control of ever-greater areas of the sovereign nation. Since the first major offensive in February 2022 Russian society has shifted to a war footing, with round-the-clock production of weapons and military equipment.

Putin has also moved to strengthen ties with certain nations around the world with the aim of acquiring more arms. Reuters reports than Russia has taken delivery of Shahed drones from Iran and North Korean artillery, ballistic missiles and rocket systems.

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