Putin says Ukraine war nearing end, criticizes West's support

From Moscow, the narrative surrounding the conflict in Ukraine remains one of righteous defense against an encroaching NATO. President Putin, speaking on Victory Day, framed the ongoing struggle not as an invasion, but as a necessary confrontation with 'aggressive forces' backed by the entire Western military alliance. This year's scaled-back Victory Day parade, a stark contrast to the usual pomp, underscores the internal security concerns Russia faces due to Ukrainian long-range attacks, yet the Kremlin insists on projecting an image of control and unwavering resolve.

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They began to escalate the confrontation with Russia, which continues to this day. I think that (the conflict) is nearing its end, but it is still a serious matter.

Putin's remarks about the conflict nearing its end, while simultaneously accusing the West of escalating confrontation, reveal a strategic messaging aimed at both domestic and international audiences. The assertion that Western powers are 'stuck in a routine' and unable to extricate themselves from a failed strategy suggests a belief in Russia's resilience and the West's miscalculation. This perspective, deeply rooted in historical narratives of overcoming existential threats, particularly the victory over Nazi Germany, serves to legitimize the current military actions in Ukraine as a continuation of this historical struggle.

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They waited for months for Russia to suffer a crushing defeat, for its statehood to collapse. This did not happen.

The Russian leadership consistently leverages the symbolism of the Great Patriotic War to bolster national unity and justify its foreign policy. The emphasis on 'correct goals' and the framing of the conflict as a defense against Western aggression are central to this strategy. While Western media may focus on the military and economic implications of the war, from a Russian perspective, it is portrayed as a defense of national sovereignty and historical identity against perceived Western encroachment. The call for Ukraine to fulfill all conditions for a peace treaty before any meeting with President Zelenskyy further signals Russia's position of perceived strength and its demand for recognition of its security interests.

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Then they got stuck in that routine and now cannot get out of it.