Kremlin Uses 'War' Instead of 'Special Military Operation' in Unprecedented Move

Local Media Interview: "Russia Is at War Due to Western Intervention"

The Kremlin spokesperson drew attention by unusually using the term "war" instead of "special military operation" regarding the Ukraine situation.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said in an interview with the local media outlet "Argumenty i Fakty" (Aif) on the 22nd (local time), "We are in a state of war."

Russia has so far referred to the military activities being conducted in Ukraine as a special military operation, not a war.

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson.
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

It has not yet been confirmed whether Peskov's change in terminology on this day reflects the official position of the Russian government.

Peskov emphasized that the West is responsible for the outbreak of this war.

He said, "In fact, this started as a special military operation, but as factions formed and the collective West joined the Ukrainian side, it became a war for us. I am certain of that."

He added, "Everyone needs to understand this fact to unite internal forces."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.