From Moscow’s vantage point, observers watched with keen interest as Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelensky arrived in Washington this week. In the US capital, President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s stance, announcing continued military assistance to Kyiv, including the Patriot air defense system. Moscow welcomed the pledge of support with skepticism, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized what he called a proxy war and lamented the absence of a clear call for peace during the encounter between the two leaders.
Since Russia launched its counteroffensive in Ukraine on February 24, Washington has been described by Moscow as openly backing Kyiv. Peskov voiced regret that neither Biden nor Zelensky had signaled a willingness to address Russia’s concerns. He argued that a Patriot system could strike at missiles during peacetime or wartime, affecting Ukrainian civil and military infrastructure as well as residential areas.
Russia against the West
The spokesperson added that the United States had ignored what he called constant bombardments on residential blocks in the Donbass while pledging continued aid to Kyiv. Russia contends that Western support cannot halt its objectives in the ongoing special military operation.
President Vladimir Putin highlighted what he described as a growing role for NATO in the conflict during the latest briefing from the Russian Defense Ministry. He warned that Russia was confronting the military potential and capabilities of leading NATO members and asserted readiness to confront those forces without restraint.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attended the same briefing. He cited Western military aid totaling about 97 billion dollars to Ukraine and noted the presence of roughly 250,000 people displaced to the front lines. Shoigu stressed the need for a larger Russian force, proposing a manpower goal of 1.5 million troops. He also announced changes to conscription rules, proposing an increase in the minimum age for service from 18 to 21 and extending the maximum age for conscription up to 30, signaling a shift in manpower planning.