Putin wants to be rid of foreign tech as Russia's war slows.

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 21 May 2022 by Alex Teddy

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On May 20 Putin said that Russia needs technological sovereignty. Russian missiles usually use Western electronics. Civilian vehicles often rely on Western components. The lack of Western components is going to prove a significant headache for Russian military and civilian manufacturing. Russia could purchase Chinese alternatives but it is uncertain how well they will work with existing models of Russian missiles or automobiles. Putin's call for an end to dependence on foreign tech has been his mantra for years. But Russia has done little towards this goal. Creating a Russian electronic component base is not a government policy. It seems that Russia has almost run out of smart bombs and guided missiles. This means that the military will use 'dumb' alternatives which are less accurate and will cause more collateral casualties. To have a decent chance of hitting the target these 'dumb' munitions have to be fired from a much closer range than smart munitions. Firing from close range increases the chance of plane or helicopter being shot down by Ukrainian Air Defense. Putin observed that there have been a growing number of cyberattacks on Russia since the Ukraine War began. Thus far the cyberattacks have not caused much harm. But the attacks have hit the media, finance and government. He was perhaps unwise to mention all this since he is letting his enemies know that their attacks are irking him.There is growing disquiet on the Russian military blogosphere. A prominent retired colonel lambasted the slow pace of progress. Russia is moving forwards 3 km a day in parts of Donbas. The Ukrainians have halted them elsewhere. NATO says that Russia can only attack on battalion sca...