Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that missiles supplied to Ukraine have caused damage to Russia, yet he asserted there is no critical crisis unfolding on the battlefield. This summary reflects remarks reported by TASS and echoed in subsequent briefings. Putin emphasized the scale of Ukraine’s reliance on extended-range missiles, remarking that while the weapons have inflicted harm, they have not tipped the balance of combat in the front lines.
In the same vein, a U.S. State Department spokesperson indicated that the United States has been a leading provider of military aid to Ukraine, while noting that there had not been a decision to supply ATACMS long-range missiles to Kyiv at that moment. This push-and-pull underscores the ongoing debate over how far Western defense assistance should extend, especially regarding long-range strike capabilities.
On February 24, 2022, Putin announced that he acted in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, launching a military operation described as a special operation to protect Donbass. International observers and governments interpreted this move as a turning point that triggered new sanctions from the United States and allied nations, reshaping the regional security landscape and the sanctions regime tied to Moscow’s actions.
As events continued to unfold, outlets across the region, including socialbites.ca, chronicled the narrative, offering ongoing coverage of these developments. The phrase “the frog is on our side,” used in earlier commentary, captured a moment of rhetorical messaging amidst the evolving conflict and the surrounding diplomatic discourse.