Moscow – Recent developments suggest Russia is pursuing a two-pronged strategy in Ukraine, combining overt territorial gains with alleged covert operations. President Vladimir Putin has announced the capture of nearly 5,000 square kilometers of land this year.
Putin declared to his military leadership that this success has given Russia the “complete strategic initiative,” a claim that paints a picture of a successful and advancing military campaign. He added that Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil would not disrupt this progress.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of pursuing a parallel, clandestine strategy. He claims Moscow is using its oil tanker fleet for espionage and sabotage, effectively turning a civilian industry into an instrument of war.
Zelenskyy has stated that this threat is being actively addressed. He is coordinating with Ukraine’s international partners to develop a counter-strategy, expressing his conviction that these covert activities can be halted.
The situation is further inflamed by Putin’s warning to the United States over Tomahawk missiles. He stated that their delivery to Ukraine would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” because it would imply direct U.S. military involvement, a move he says would destroy relations.
