Moscow/Kyiv – The conflict in Ukraine is increasingly being defined by asymmetric tactics, with Russia focusing on conventional land grabs while Ukraine alleges a campaign of espionage using civilian tankers.
The conventional aspect is championed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who announced the capture of nearly 5,000 square kilometers of territory this year. He claims this has given Moscow the “complete strategic initiative.”
The unconventional aspect was revealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He accused Russia of using its oil tanker fleet for “reconnaissance and even sabotage,” a tactic that blends civilian commerce with military intelligence. He has vowed to work with allies to stop it.
This complex battlefield is overshadowed by the threat of global escalation. Putin has issued a severe warning to the United States against supplying Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine.
He stated that such a move would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation,” as it would imply direct U.S. military involvement, and would lead to the complete collapse of relations between Moscow and Washington.