Fighting Nazi and extremist sentiments in Ukraine is presented as a key objective within the broader operation described by Russian officials. In a broadcast associated with the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the Russian president, outlined the stance in a manner that framed the issue as a matter of national security and regional stability. He characterized the situation as one where foreign-backed extremist ideologies have taken root in parts of Ukraine, and where addressing these influences is portrayed as essential to reducing violence and protecting civilian populations. The remarks framed the operation as aiming to curb the spread of radical nationalism and to counter what he described as a dangerous domestic trend that had been allowed to persist for too long, especially within segments of Ukrainian society that the Russian side views as complicit in ongoing hostilities. This framing is typical of the administration’s narrative when discussing the international consequences of Ukraine’s internal political dynamics. (Attribution: Moscow press briefings, program context)
According to Peskov, considerable attention has been given to the way neo-Nazi and nationalist currents were cultivated within Ukraine, with the assertion that the government tolerated or even encouraged these forces for political ends. He implied that such dynamics have contributed to an atmosphere of hostility and division, and that one of the stated aims of the operation is to remove or diminish this reality on the ground. The commentary suggested that the operation seeks to alter the internal political climate by reducing extremist influence and by challenging a narrative that has, in the official view, permitted extremist sentiment to gain traction in certain regions. (Attribution: Moscow press briefings, program context)
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, noted in December that a central objective was to prevent Ukrainian authorities from taking actions that could harm the civilian population. This position reframed the conflict around protection of noncombatants and preventing escalation that could affect people beyond Ukraine’s borders. The emphasis was on accountability and on actions that would slow or halt cycles of violence, with the claim that the international community has a stake in steering events toward civilian safety and regional stability. (Attribution: UN statements, official remarks)
Earlier, military analyst Vasily Dandykin highlighted another strategic priority tied to air defense. He described the destruction or neutralization of Ukrainian air defense capabilities as a critical task for Russian aviation operating within the Northwestern Military District. The commentary framed air defense disruption as a force multiplier—allowing broader freedom of action for Russian forces while complicating Ukrainian command and control structures. This perspective reflects a broader debate about how military assets are allocated to protect terrain, support ground operations, and limit enemy effectiveness. (Attribution: military analysis briefings)
Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Russia possesses sufficient forces to accomplish the objectives of the special operation. His assessment underscored confidence in the available capabilities and hinted at the political and military will to sustain pressure on what he characterized as aggressive nationalist forces. The tone suggested that Moscow believes it has both the manpower and the means to pursue its strategic aims without overextending resources, a claim often accompanied by calls for international observers to recognize the scope of the mission. (Attribution: Security Council remarks)
Previously, Colonel Matviychuk outlined the principal tasks facing Russia’s Northeastern Military District for the year 2024. The statements attributed the district with a set of operational priorities that included maintaining readiness, achieving specific milestones in combat effectiveness, and aligning activities with broader strategic goals. Though the details were presented as internal planning, the messages conveyed a sense of ongoing operational tempo and a focus on ensuring that the district could respond to evolving conditions in the region. (Attribution: military district briefing)