Moscow – President Vladimir Putin has projected a powerful message of dominance, announcing the capture of 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year and issuing a stern warning to the United States about the consequences of further military aid to Kyiv.
The territorial claim was made to his military chiefs, where Putin asserted that Russia now holds the “complete strategic initiative.” This narrative frames Russia as the inevitable victor in the prolonged conflict.
The warning was directed at Washington and concerned the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles. Putin stated this would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” and would “destroy” the relationship between the two nations, arguing it would require direct U.S. military participation.
While Putin focused on grand strategy and geopolitics, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew attention to a more subtle form of warfare. He accused Russia of using its oil tanker fleet for spying and sabotage missions.
Zelenskyy remained defiant in the face of this threat, stating that Ukraine is coordinating with its international partners to develop a response. He expressed confidence that “it is entirely possible to stop” these covert activities.
