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In Russia, Foreign Minister of the aggressor state Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow is using force in Ukraine, which he described as eliminating an alleged direct threat to Russia. In a conversation with BBC News, he characterized Russian strikes on infrastructure that Russian authorities link to waging war against Russia in this way.
Lavrov also repeated the official Russian claim that European countries are allegedly fighting against Russia on Ukrainian territory by supplying weapons to Kyiv. The BBC recalls that it was the Kremlin that launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continues the war.
According to the BBC’s assessment, statements and speeches by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin indicate that he continues to count on a military victory, despite the heavy losses of the Russian army and the damage to Russia’s economy.
The outlet notes that, judging by reports in Russian media, Moscow is counting on Ukraine running short of missiles for air defense systems and seeks to increase pressure on Ukrainians through strikes in winter. Kyiv has also reported difficulties in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles and new jet-powered drones.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Putin addressed the Russian parliament on Wednesday. Following legislative elections last month, the United Russia party gained more deputies in the State Duma than ever before, allowing the Kremlin to claim a broad mandate of support.
Western officials accuse Moscow of escalating hybrid warfare against European countries through cyberattacks, sabotage, and violations of airspace by Russian drones. In Germany, according to the BBC, a drone with an explosive device was found near Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig Airport.
Sergei Karaganov, honorary chairman of Russia’s Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, told the BBC that Russia could escalate the war if Europe continues to support Ukraine. He suggested the possibility of conventional strikes first, followed by the use of nuclear weapons if Europe does not cease its resistance. Karaganov also said that Russia, according to his assertion, is depriving Ukraine of its viability as a state.
Source: UA
