russia Began The Next World War (video commentary)

08/28/2026

Russia’s position in Ukraine is worsening while its economy absorbs civilian cuts, mobilization pressure, and rising war costs. More than 600,000 people are being prepared for military service even as Russian elites gained over $71 billion last year. Moscow is trying to carry an increasingly expensive war while Putin looks toward a broader confrontation with the West as a way to justify greater sacrifice at home.

The CIA director’s visit to Moscow comes as Putin still appears convinced Russia can prevail if it moves quickly enough. US intelligence assessments cited by Jason Jay Smart suggest he does not fully understand how badly Russia’s military and economic position has deteriorated. Covert operations, pressure on NATO countries, sabotage, intimidation, and active measures across Europe offer Moscow ways to widen the conflict without relying on conventional forces already under growing strain.

By autumn, Russia may face a much narrower window as military losses, shrinking liquidity, manpower demands, and pressure on industry make further escalation harder to sustain. Deep strikes inside Russia are adding another burden by forcing Moscow to protect infrastructure, production, transport, and commercial networks far behind the front. Jason explains why a strategy meant to exploit Western hesitation could instead expose how little military, financial, and strategic room Russia has left.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro: Putin’s War Plan Collapses
01:18 – CIA Warning: Russia Prepares Massive Western Attack
04:38 – World War IV: Kremlin Executes Cold War Blueprint
07:24 – E-Ruble Scam: Kremlin Robs Dead Russian Soldiers
09:07 – Cannon Fodder: Putin Sacrifices Troops For NATO
10:10 – Empire Burning: Ukraine Destroys Putin’s Private Fortune
10:49 – Fatal Blow: Ukraine Breaks the Kremlin’s Back