This ability comes despite sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s defense industry. Russia’s ability to churn out tanks, missiles, and shells has surprised the West and heaped further pressure on Ukraine, the WSJ said. Russia has ramped up spending, with defense now accounting for over 21% of the federal budget, significantly higher than in 2020 (14%). It is predicted that this share will increase in 2024 to more than 29%. Russia also found ways to work around sanctions, acquiring Western components through intermediaries. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in December that Russia was …