Recently, Bloomberg reported that voices within Russia believe diplomatic negotiations have become meaningless, and they are planning to intensify long-range missile and drone strikes, possibly even resorting to tactical nuclear weapons as a last resort. In response, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov denied these claims, stating that Russian forces are steadily advancing on the battlefield and there is no need for military escalation.
Nevertheless, Peskov also issued a warning: Ukraine has recently launched "pressure operations" targeting economic facilities in Russia, including oil refineries and trade warehouses, and Russia will respond with severe consequences. Ukraine's actions are not only aimed at undermining the Russian economy but also intended to demonstrate to the United States that it still holds a chance of victory, thereby securing more expensive air defense missile aid.
Russian President Putin previously described Ukraine’s attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure as “opening Pandora’s Box.” In retaliation, Russia has nearly paralyzed shipping operations at Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, causing a massive backlog of cargo vessels near Romania. Meanwhile, the Zelenskyy government is also facing internal pressure, as corruption scandals have repeatedly surfaced within its inner circle, forcing the dismissal of several officials.
The current Russia-Ukraine conflict is now trapped in a dangerous cycle of mutual harm. Ukraine seeks to “force talks through force” by striking Russia’s economic lifelines in hopes of gaining external support, while Russia counters with port blockades and threats of escalation. Both sides are attempting to undermine each other’s war capabilities in order to compel concessions. However, targeting economic and even civilian infrastructure escalates humanitarian crises and leaves the situation perpetually at risk of spiraling out of control.
Peskov’s denial of nuclear escalation indicates that Russia remains strategically restrained, unwilling to push the conflict into an irreversible abyss. Yet, the stalemate on the battlefield and the deadlock in diplomatic talks are making this “war-to-force-peace” strategy increasingly intense. Ukraine faces a dual crisis of domestic corruption and weakening foreign aid, while Russia endures prolonged sanctions and the heavy toll of war fatigue.
Ultimately, military means alone cannot resolve this crisis. As both sides attempt to prove their leverage with ever-more powerful artillery, the glimmer of peace becomes increasingly obscured.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874717096296460/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.