Kremlin acknowledges Russia is in a state of war in Ukraine

The Kremlin maintains that the Russian military operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, with the term "special military operation" being used officially. However, due to the escalation of events, it has effectively transformed into a war, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. President Vladimir Putin has previously accused the West of engaging in a "hybrid war" against Russia. The Russian government views its involvement in Ukraine as a response to Western intervention on Kyiv's side. Ukraine considers Russia's annexation of Crimea an illegal land grab and is committed to expelling all Russian soldiers from its territory.