In a significant shift in language, the Kremlin has officially acknowledged that Russia's military actions in Ukraine are now considered a "war." Kremlin spokesperson, Dimitry Peskov, stated that the conflict escalated from a "special military operation" to a full-blown war when the collective West intervened and supported Ukraine. Peskov's remarks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent re-election and a major air raid on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The Kremlin's decision to use the term "war" indicates a preparation for a long-lasting standoff with the United States and its allies over Ukraine. Russian officials have gradually increased the use of the word "war" and admitted that the fighting is expected to go on for longer than initially anticipated. This change in language grants Russian authorities more flexibility in making decisions associated with a war, such as further mobilization, according to analysts.

Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of the R.Politik analysis firm, stated that the recognition of the conflict as a war enables the Kremlin to demand a wartime mindset from every Russian citizen. The population is urged to understand that there is no middle ground between being a patriot and a traitor, as defined by Putin.

Despite the acknowledgment that Russia is at war, Peskov clarified that the country's actions in Ukraine are still legally defined at home as a "special military operation." Nonetheless, he emphasized that the conflict has effectively become a war due to increased Western involvement.

Russia currently occupies a significant portion of Ukraine, including the Crimea region, which it illegally annexed in 2014. The ongoing warfare has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, including both civilians and military personnel, with Russia utilizing missiles and drones in its attacks.

Peskov highlighted the importance of fully "liberating" the annexed regions, namely Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia, to ensure the safety of the people there. The Kremlin claims to have annexed these regions in 2022, but it does not have complete control over them. Russia justifies its actions by stating that it cannot allow a state on its border that has demonstrated a willingness to use any method to seize control of Crimea.

Meanwhile, Kyiv considers Russia's occupation of the four regions as an illegal land grab and is determined to regain control over the Crimean Peninsula, which was taken by Russia in 2014.

With Russia now officially labeling the conflict as a war, the situation in Ukraine intensifies, raising concerns over the potential escalation of hostilities and the impact on the region's stability.

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