Pressure on Russia's war machine, 13 November 2024

What did the days leading up to 13 November 2024 reveal about how the war was being fought beyond the front line? Three developments, each announced or carried out between 7 and 10 November, point to pressure applied through economics, logistics and long-range strikes.

On 7 November, the British government announced 56 sanctions on individuals and entities based in countries including China and Turkey, as well as on the Africa Corps mercenary group. The aim was to target Russia's military-industrial complex and restrict the supply of military equipment to Russia.

On 8 November, the United States lifted its ban on deploying military contractors to Ukraine. The step enabled American companies to directly assist with the maintenance and repair of U.S.-made weapons, such as F-16 fighter aircraft and Patriot air defence systems. Washington said the contractors would be positioned far from the front lines and would not engage in combat with Russian forces.

On 10 November, at least 34 Ukrainian drones struck Moscow. One person was injured and at least 36 flights were diverted. Three Moscow airports were temporarily closed, and landings were diverted. It was the largest drone strike on the city since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Three tracks

Taken together, the measures covered different ground: London's sanctions went after supply networks reaching third countries, the US decision concerned keeping Ukraine's Western-made equipment working, and the Moscow strike brought the war to Russia's capital region and disrupted air travel there.