The war in Ukraine persists.
Four years after the invasion began, the Kremlin acknowledged on Tuesday that the military campaign, initiated on February 24, 2022, continues because Moscow has yet to achieve its original objectives.
"It is indeed true that the goals have not been met in full. Therefore, the special military operation continues," stated Dmitri Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesperson, during his daily phone press briefing, as reported by EFE today.
This admission coincides with the fourth anniversary of the invasion's onset, amid intensified fighting in southern Ukraine and renewed diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western powers.
Russian Defense Ministry Claims Progress in Zaporiyia
Simultaneously, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced the capture of a village in the Zaporiyia region.
"Eastern military group units, through offensive operations, have liberated the village of Izdvianka in the Zaporiyia region," stated a military communiqué.
This locality is situated over 60 kilometers east of the regional capital, where Russian troops are advancing slowly.
Moscow also reported drone, missile, and artillery strikes against "transport and energy infrastructure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," as well as storage and launch bases for drones and troop deployment positions.
However, on Monday, Ukraine claimed to have reclaimed 400 square kilometers of territory occupied by Russia since late January.
According to Kyiv, part of this advancement is attributed to the disconnection of Russian troops from the Starlink satellite network deployed for Ukraine, a system Ukrainian authorities allege was misused by Russian forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian troops are advancing along the southern front line, in a military standoff that continues four years later.
Tensions Rise as Moscow Accuses France and the UK
In the diplomatic arena, tensions escalated with grave accusations.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused France and the United Kingdom of actively "working" to provide Ukraine with "a nuclear bomb, or at least a 'dirty bomb,'" aiming to secure "more favorable terms" in potential peace negotiations, according to a report from Europa Press today.
The Russian communiqué claimed that London and Paris believe the current situation "does not allow for their much-desired victory over Russia" but they are "not prepared to accept defeat."
The SVR also asserted that both countries think Ukraine should be equipped with a "Wunderwaffe"—a "wonder weapon," a term used by Nazi Germany during World War II—and suggested it would involve the "covert transfer of European components, equipment, and technology."
According to Moscow, Berlin has declined to partake in this alleged initiative.
EU and UK Strengthen Sanctions
Meanwhile, leading institutional figures from the European Union reaffirmed their support for Kyiv and called for increased pressure on Moscow.
Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission), Roberta Metsola (European Parliament), and António Costa (European Council) urged for more sanctions to compel Russia to engage in "meaningful negotiations" that lead to a "just and lasting peace."
In a joint statement, they noted that the war of attrition driven by Vladimir Putin "is steadily weakening Russia" and reiterated their commitment to maintaining sanctions on the Russian energy and financial sectors, alongside bolstering aid to Ukraine.
They recalled that the EU has mobilized 170 billion euros in financial, military, humanitarian, and energy support for Kyiv.
For its part, the United Kingdom announced the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the invasion began.
The measures aim to curb the Kremlin's energy revenues and include companies supplying military equipment to Russia.
Among the sanctioned entities is PJSC Transneft, responsible for transporting over 80% of Russia's oil exports.
Nuclear Talks in Geneva
Amidst the intensifying conflict and cross accusations, Russian and American delegations met in Geneva to discuss, among other issues, the potential negotiation of a new nuclear arms control treaty.
Subsequently, Washington will hold similar talks with China, in an attempt to prevent a new strategic escalation in the nuclear realm.
Macron Criticizes Russia's Failures
From Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron described the invasion as "a triple failure" for Russia—"military, economic, and strategic."
In his view, the war "has strengthened NATO, whose expansion Russia sought to prevent, united Europeans whom it hoped to weaken, and highlighted the fragility of an outdated imperialism."
Macron asserted that "Russians will one day realize the enormity of the crime committed in their name," reiterating that "Ukraine is the first line of defense of our continent."
Four years after the conflict began, far from a ceasefire being in sight, the Kremlin's statements confirm that the war remains ongoing.
Moscow admits its objectives remain unmet; Kyiv claims progress on the front; the West tightens sanctions; and major powers resume nuclear talks.
The current scenario is one of prolonged conflict with no immediate resolution in sight.
Key Questions About the Ukraine Conflict
Why does Russia continue its military operation in Ukraine?
Russia continues its military operation because it has not yet achieved its original objectives set at the start of the invasion.
What progress has Ukraine made in the conflict recently?
Ukraine claims to have reclaimed 400 square kilometers of territory occupied by Russia since late January, partly due to the disconnection of Russian troops from the Starlink satellite network.
What are the allegations against France and the UK concerning Ukraine?
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service has accused France and the UK of working to provide Ukraine with a nuclear bomb or a 'dirty bomb' to gain favorable terms in potential peace negotiations.
How has the EU responded to the ongoing conflict?
The EU has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, calling for increased sanctions on Russia and committing to financial, military, humanitarian, and energy aid.