Kathrine Frich
They argue that the current “special military operation” has failed.
They argue that the current “special military operation” has failed.
Putin Pressured to Declare War
Vladimir Putin is facing mounting calls from Russian hardliners to escalate the conflict in Ukraine by officially declaring war.
The pressure comes after Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU, carried out a string of deep-penetration drone attacks, damaging over 20 Russian bombers in a stunning operation that has shaken Moscow’s military elite.
Ukraine’s Risky, Record-Breaking Raid
The audacious Ukrainian strikes, known as Operation Spider Web, took 18 months to plan.
Drones were smuggled into Russian territory and launched from disguised trucks, hitting four air bases.
President Zelensky hailed the attack as a historic achievement, declaring it would “undoubtedly be in history books.”
Kremlin Shock Turns to Fury
Inside the Kremlin, reactions ranged from disbelief to outright rage.
A senior Russian official described “shock and outrage” following the airbase assaults.
The strikes have reignited demands among ultra-nationalists for a full declaration of war, with daily missile barrages aimed at “wiping out” Ukraine’s leadership in Kyiv.
Putin Urged to Crush Kyiv “Completely”
One hawkish Russian insider, speaking anonymously, called for the total destruction of Ukraine’s government, according to Express.
“Explosions, drones, sabotage, and possibly even terrorist attacks are what the future may hold,” they warned, unless the Zelensky regime is “completely destroyed.”
The official even voiced support for the late Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Special Military Operation Has Failed
According to reports, hardliners are urging the Kremlin to draft up to a million new troops.
They argue that the current “special military operation” has failed to break Ukraine’s resistance, and only full-scale war can bring the conflict to a decisive end.
Putin’s Team Shrugs Off War Talk
Despite the hawkish rhetoric, some Kremlin analysts doubt a formal declaration of war is imminent.
One source from a think tank tied to Russia’s Defence Ministry said the leadership was “satisfied with the current situation”, however cynical that may sound.
They believe gradual escalation remains the Kremlin’s preferred route.