For two years, the Kremlin officially referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation.” Now, the spokesman Peskov has used the term “war” and justified it with Western action
More than two years after the commencement of the war against Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dropped the meaningless term “special military operation”.
In an interview with the Russian weekly Argumenty i Fakty, Peskov remarked, “We are at war.” Yes, it began as a specific military operation, but as soon as the clique developed, and the collective West was included as a member on Ukraine’s side, it became a war for us.” He is certain of this, “and everyone should understand it to mobilize personally,” Peskov said.
“We must fully liberate the new territories”
The Kremlin spokesman went on to say that Russia cannot allow a state to exist on its borders that has demonstrated its willingness to use any means to acquire control of Crimea. “Russia must fully liberate its new territories to ensure the safety of its residents.”
At a press conference, Peskov later clarified that the combat operations remained a “special operation” from a legal point of view, but were a war.
Four regions and Crimea are under Russian control
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022. He spoke of a “special military operation”. The Russian army then occupied large areas of the neighboring country, but could not take the capital, Kiev, as it had planned. Later, Ukrainian troops managed to drive the occupying forces out of some parts of the country, even with the help of Western arms supplies.