Today, Martha, Morgan, and Jess discuss Russia’s most massive aerial strike since the start of the full-scale invasion—an onslaught of over 800 Shahed drones, plus ballistic and cruise missiles. For the first time, Moscow hit Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers building, alongside devastating strikes on civilian areas. President Trump, signaling frustration, pledged to speak with Vladimir Putin soon as his team weighs a “phase two” sanctions package targeting Russian oil revenues and potentially punishing foreign buyers. Despite summits and talk of diplomacy, there is still no ceasefire framework or serious negotiations in sight.

What does Russia’s choice of targets reveal about its strategy at this stage of the war? How effective could a new round of U.S. and European sanctions be in pressuring Moscow? And with no diplomatic momentum, what options remain for Washington and Kyiv to shift the trajectory of the conflict?

Check out these sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions: 

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/02/congress-pulls-the-rug-on-u-s-plan-to-beat-huawei-00527620

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/world/asia/china-hack-salt-typhoon.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/23/cisa-cyberattacks-china-doge-cuts/ 

@marthamillerdc

@morganlroach

@NotTVJessJones

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