After 2 yrs, Russia's special military operation becomes a 'state of war'

After avoiding the term invasion and consistently referring to its actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation," Russia has now admitted to being in a state of war. This comes after two years of its conflict with Ukraine.

Russia pounded Ukraine with one of its biggest missile and drone attacks on Friday (Mar 22). It targetedUkraine’s energyinfrastructure.Reports from various regional authorities indicated that the attacks deprived over 1 million households of electricity. Only Kyiv and the northwest regions of the country were unaffected.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with a pro-Kremlin newspaper stated, "We are in a state of war."These comments seemto be marking an escalation in the conflict.

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The latest Russian onslaught included almost 90 missiles and over 60 Iranian-designed kamikaze drones, targeting numerous energy facilities in an apparent effort to disrupt Ukraine's electricity and heating supply.

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"Yes, it started as a special military operation, but as soon as this bunch was formed there, when the collective West became a participant on Ukraine's side, for us it already became a war," Peskov said adding,"De jure (legally) it is a special military operation. But de facto it has turned into a war," he added.

The Russian defense ministry claimed that these strikes were in retaliation to Ukrainian attacks on its border regions in recent weeks. Russian attacks resulted in at least five fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The assault severely impacted Ukraine's infrastructure, with the country's power grid, Ukrenergo, labeling it as the "largest on record."

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Amid the escalated attack by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for increased Western support.

"Russian missiles do not have delays, as do aid packages to our country. The 'Shahed' (drones) have no indecision, like some politicians. It is important to understand the cost of delays and postponed decisions," the Ukrainian president said.

Ukraine's air force claimed to have shot down37 missiles, but the strikes still caused substantial damage and disruptions.

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Despite the challenges posed by the attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmygalasserted that the situation in the energy sector remained under control.

However, concerns persist overfurther escalation, with indications that Russia might be preparing for a summer offensive, as suggested by Ukraine's ground forces commander Oleksandr Pavliuk.

(With inputs from agencies)