Sanctions Fall Short as Russia Keeps Mass-Producing Missiles for Ukraine Strikes.

Russia's Missile Production Capacity Despite International Sanctions

According to UATV: Political analyst Dmytro Levus, an expert at the Center for United Ukraine, argues that the current sanctions regime is failing because of widespread evasion. Russia is still manufacturing cruise missiles like the Iskander-M and Zircon, even as its stockpiles of old Soviet-era weapons dwindle.

On July 20, 2023, Levus stated that Moscow can keep producing missiles and terrorizing Ukrainian cities due to insufficient sanctions and weak enforcement oversight. He also pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy consistently urges allied nations to ramp up pressure through tougher sanctions.

Leveraging Resources to Build New Weapons

Against this backdrop, it is clear that Russia is tapping into its remaining assets—including aging arsenals and imported electronics—to manufacture new armaments. Despite shrinking reserves, the country is pushing ahead with missile production programs, raising alarm on the global stage and underscoring the urgent need for a stricter sanctions regime.

The effectiveness of international sanctions depends not just on their number, but on the mechanisms used to enforce compliance.

Dmytro Levus

In this context, continued support from the international community—particularly through fresh sanctions—could significantly curb Russia's ability to sustain its military campaigns. What happens next may hinge on whether Ukraine can convince its partners to tighten the screws on the aggressor.