Moscow/Kyiv – The intensity of the conflict in Ukraine is growing, with Russia claiming major territorial gains on land while Ukraine alleges the Kremlin is running covert operations at sea. President Vladimir Putin announced his forces have seized nearly 5,000 square kilometers in 2025.
This gain, according to Putin, has secured the “complete strategic initiative” for Moscow. Speaking to his military chiefs, he dismissed Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory as futile attempts to alter the battlefield reality, which he claims is firmly in his favor.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of a new form of warfare. He stated that Moscow is using its oil tanker fleet for espionage and sabotage, effectively turning a commercial industry into an arm of its military intelligence.
In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy assured that a counter-strategy is in motion. He said Ukraine is working with its allies to neutralize this threat, adding with confidence that “it is entirely possible to stop this.”
Adding to the tension, Putin issued a direct and severe warning to the United States. He stated that if Washington provides Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it would be seen as a major escalation requiring US military involvement and would result in the complete severing of diplomatic ties.