Moscow/Kyiv – A fierce war of words is being waged between Moscow and Kyiv, with President Vladimir Putin adopting a tone of triumphalism while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focuses on exposing Russia’s alleged covert transgressions.
Putin’s narrative is one of undeniable success. He told his military command that Russian forces have captured nearly 5,000 square kilometers of territory in 2025, a feat that he claims has secured the “complete strategic initiative” for Moscow and put it on a path to victory.
Zelenskyy’s narrative, however, is one of Russian duplicity. He has accused the Kremlin of fighting a dirty war by using its civilian oil tanker fleet for “reconnaissance and even sabotage activities,” thereby violating international norms and weaponizing commerce.
The Ukrainian leader has also projected a narrative of defiance and international cooperation. He assured his people that he is working with allies to counter this maritime threat, stating confidently that “it is entirely possible to stop this.”
This rhetorical battle is set against the grim backdrop of potential escalation. Putin has warned the U.S. that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a critical error, triggering a “new stage of escalation” and shattering their diplomatic relationship.
