Journal of Political Risk, Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026

The result of a March 2, 2024 explosive Shahed drone hitting a nine-story residential building in Ukraine. For years, Iran has produced and sold Shaheds to Russia, knowing they are for use against Ukraine. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine.

By Anders Corr

The Senate passed the Russia sanctions bill earlier this month, and now it is expected to pass the House fairly easily. The bill should be passed, as it will increase pressure on Russia’s leadership, economy, defense industrial base, and top foreign enablers. 

The bill is not only about Ukraine, but will help deter Russia from attacking NATO countries. Russia has already used sabotage, influence campaigns, espionage, GPS interference, hacking, and assassination on NATO soil. On July 20 and July 21, the Lithuanian and Polish governments warned that Russia is considering new attacks on NATO allies. These could include the use of captured Ukrainian drones in a false flag or hybrid attack. In addition to Poland and Lithuania, all of the Baltic states and Romania are at particularly high risk. Continue reading →