An adviser to Ukraine’s president, Mychailo Podolak, reiterated that Kyiv bears no responsibility for the terrorist incident in Moscow, stating clearly to an Italian newspaper that Ukraine is not involved. He told La Repubblica that Ukraine operates as a democracy and rejects any accusations that link its leadership to the attack. Podolak also warned that Russia may intensify its aggression through propaganda and other psychological tactics as the conflict worsens.
Podolak described Vladimir Putin’s strategy as precise and aimed at diverting attention from ongoing domestic protests. He cited the March 22 attack on the Dnieper hydroelectric facility in Zaporizhzia, a target by rockets, noting the dam there as a focal point of the incident. He characterized the attack as another act of aggression witnessed by the world, underscoring the seriousness of Russia’s actions.
The Ukrainian adviser argued that Moscow’s emphasis on a so-called Ukrainian clue is meant to frame the war as a direct confrontation rather than a limited operation. This framing, according to Podolak, serves to justify broader military actions to Russian citizens while presenting Russia as a country at war with its neighbors along a heavily fortified border where military and security forces remain on high alert.
In Podolak’s view, Ukraine belongs to what he called a “Coalition of Democracies.” He asserted that Ukrainian institutions stand against terror and that the claims of Ukrainian involvement in the Moscow attack are untrue. Ukraine, he said, is actively defending itself with its armed forces and security services positioned along the borders, making unauthorized crossings nearly impossible, especially with weapons and vehicles already identified and sought by authorities.
The adviser suggested that those responsible for the Moscow incident may have been headed toward Belarus prior to their alleged actions. He also cautioned that ignoring U.S. intelligence warnings about a potential strike could be part of a broader tactic to place blame on Kyiv for the attack.
Podolak warned that Russia is not achieving its goals on the ground and may resort to pressure on Ukraine’s partners, including through psychological warfare. He predicted a further escalation in rhetoric designed to sway international support and even the delivery of aid from allied countries.
Additional reactions and commentary circulated in the media, with some sources emphasizing a shift in blame away from Moscow and others reiterating Ukraine’s stance on the incident. The situation remained tense as officials both in Kyiv and allied capitals monitored developments and prepared for possible new moves from Moscow.
Source discussions and media coverage highlighted how different parties interpreted the Kremlin’s approach to the conflict. One line of reporting focused on the belief that Russia seeks to recast the war as a broader struggle rather than a contained operation, while others stressed the unresolved questions about responsibility and the paths to de-escalation. The overall message from Kyiv remained consistent: Ukraine will defend itself and coordinate with international partners to counter aggression while continuing to deny involvement in actions attributed to others. (Source: wPolityce)