Russian military hawks and nationalist figures are growing
increasingly impatient with President Vladimir Putin’s continued reluctance to formally declare war on Ukraine, as the conflict enters its fourth year. The current designation of a “special military operation” is viewed by hardliners as inadequate, particularly following Ukraine’s recent successful “Operation Spider’s Web” that targeted Russian air bases near Moscow, resulting in the destruction of strategic bombers.
Despite casualty estimates reaching hundreds of thousands on both sides, the Kremlin maintains its limited classification of the conflict, though officials occasionally employ war-like terminology. This stance has sparked criticism from Russia’s nationalist elite, with their dissatisfaction becoming increasingly visible on military blogs and social media platforms.
Anonymous sources within the Kremlin have expressed to The Telegraph their worries that maintaining the current level of engagement could expose Russia to greater vulnerabilities, especially given NATO’s apparent involvement in recent Ukrainian operations. Intelligence from Western sources is believed to have played a role in Ukraine’s recent successful strikes near Moscow.
A formal declaration of war would enable full societal and economic mobilization, potentially leading to mandatory military service and extensive recruitment efforts. While Russian forces have recently expanded their control in the Donetsk region, they appear to have abandoned any intentions of occupying Kyiv or penetrating deep into central or western Ukraine. Instead, Putin has announced plans to establish an extensive buffer zone to protect against recurring drone and artillery attacks targeting southern Russia and Crimea.
The mood within the Kremlin has been characterized by officials as one of “shock and outrage.” One high-ranking official, speaking
anonymously, warned that without the complete dismantling of the Zelenskyy administration, Russia could face an escalation of threats including explosions, drone attacks, sabotage, and potential terrorist activities.
Throughout the conflict, Russian aerial operations have generally avoided targeting Ukrainian headquarters except in specific
retaliatory scenarios, though air strikes on Kyiv have intensified this month. Both sides continue to focus their efforts on degrading each other’s military capabilities, industrial infrastructure, and strategic assets, while the White House attempts to maintain a ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure.
The timing of these internal pressures on Putin coincides with growing international attention on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with questions surrounding potential Pentagon involvement remaining unresolved. Russian officials speaking to The Telegraph emphasized the personal impact of recent events, with one stating, “Like every thinking patriot, I took it as a personal tragedy.”
The Russian military’s current strategy appears focused on
establishing defensive positions rather than pursuing aggressive expansion into Ukrainian territory. However, hawks within the Kremlin argue that this approach is insufficient to address the growing security challenges faced by Russia, particularly given the increasing sophistication of Ukrainian military capabilities and Western support.
The debate over escalating the conflict’s official status comes at a crucial juncture, as both sides continue to suffer significant losses and strategic setbacks. While Putin maintains the current designation of a special military operation, the pressure from nationalist elements within Russia for a more comprehensive war footing shows no signs of abating, potentially influencing future strategic decisions in the ongoing conflict.