The Kremlin recognizes that its “special military operation” against Ukraine is a war. Two years and a month after unleashing the offensive on the neighboring country, Putin's spokesman alleges that the military campaign represents a confrontation with the West.

In the background is the increasingly real possibility that the Kremlin will initiate another forced recruitment among its population. “Declarations of internal mobilization are the key,” said Russia expert Mark Galeotti on his social networks. “The Kremlin demands that every Russian adopt a war mentality and understand that there is no middle ground between being a patriot or a traitor”