Moscow/Kyiv – A sharp contrast in narratives has emerged from Moscow and Kyiv, with President Vladimir Putin touting military gains while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cried foul over Russia’s alleged use of “sabotage” tankers.
Putin, addressing his military command, claimed that his forces have seized control of almost 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year. He asserted that Russia now holds the “complete strategic initiative,” a claim intended to project an image of victory.
Zelenskyy, however, painted a picture of Russian deceit. He accused Moscow of using its oil tanker fleet for “reconnaissance and even sabotage activities,” effectively turning a civilian industry into a tool for covert warfare.
The Ukrainian leader expressed his determination to fight back on this front as well. He announced that he is collaborating with international partners to find a solution, stating with confidence that “it is entirely possible to stop this.”
Meanwhile, the risk of a wider conflict remains. Putin has warned the U.S. that providing Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine would be a major escalation requiring American military involvement, a move he says would shatter their relationship.