The Kremlin is attempting to downplay public attention on Vladimir Putin’s failed objectives on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Gazeta.UA
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian officials avoided public statements about the anniversary of the war, limiting themselves to traditional rhetoric about the “demilitarization” and “denazification” of Ukraine. At the same time, the Kremlin intensified an information campaign around claims by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service about alleged plans by the UK and France to supply Ukraine with a “dirty bomb” or nuclear weapons.
ISW analysts believe these statements are intended to escalate nuclear rhetoric, derail negotiations over Western security guarantees for Ukraine, and intimidate Europe and the U.S.
Specifically, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev threatened the use of nuclear weapons, including non-strategic ones, against Ukraine and supplier countries.
Analysts also warn that Russia could blame Kyiv for a radioactive incident, especially amid regular Russian strikes on Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure. Such actions create the risk of a radiological catastrophe, after which Moscow could shift the blame onto Ukraine.