Russia Officially Acknowledges “State Of War” Status in Ukraine

The Kremlin officially stated on Friday that Russia is engaged in a “state of war” in Ukraine, shifting from its previous description of the conflict as a “special military operation.”

This announcement comes after President Vladimir Putin’s significant election victory, stirring discussions about Russia’s long-term intentions in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the escalation, saying, “Yes, it began as a special military operation, but as soon as this group was formed there, when the collective West became a participant in this on the side of Ukraine, for us it already became a war,” in an interview with Argumenty Fakty newspaper.

Peskov’s remarks are viewed as a signal that Russia is preparing its citizens for an extended and intensified role in the conflict with Ukraine.

Analysts debate whether this represents a significant policy shift or a continuation of existing rhetoric.

On X, an honorary professor at University College London, Mark Galeotti, noted that the Kremlin has long framed the conflict as part of a broader war against the West, with Peskov’s comments emphasising a call to patriotism.

And that ‘internal mobilisation’ is actually the key thing: the Kremlin’s demand that every Russian get into a wartime mindset, and realise there is now no middle ground between being a patriot and a traitor (as Putin defines these). 6/

— Mark Galeotti (@MarkGaleotti) March 22, 2024

In response to queries about the legal implications of his statement, Peskov clarified, “This is a special military operation de jure. But de facto, it has turned into a war for us after the collective West has increased its involvement in the conflict more and more.”

This clarification comes amid criticism of Russia’s stringent censorship laws, which have punished those using the term “war” to describe the conflict.

The West’s involvement, mainly through economic sanctions and military support to Ukraine, has intensified tensions, with French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments last month on possible ground troop deployments to Ukraine. President Macron’s remarks led to Putin warning of nuclear war implications if the West sends troops to Ukraine.

Putin has consistently portrayed the conflict as a critical battle for Russia’s survival against a West purportedly seeking its destruction, a narrative amplified by Russian media in the face of increasing Western support for Ukraine.

Read: No Nigerian should ever be a captive or hostage in his fatherland – Peter Obi

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