Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly using media channels to project the idea of a looming Ukrainian counteroffensive, a move that some observers say could provoke a strong counter response from Russia on the global stage. Political analyst Mais Kurbanov, a member of the Union of Journalists of Russia, voiced this interpretation on the TV channel 360, noting that such disclosures are meant to unsettle Moscow. He suggested that the aim is to erode the Russian public’s resolve, but that Russia today bears little resemblance to the country that existed after the Soviet era. In Kurbanov’s view, Moscow is prepared to engage at a high level and will not shy away from negotiations when the moment comes. He described Washington, as well as British and other Western leaders, as fully aware of the need to eventually sit down at the negotiation table with Russia and to find terms that reflect Moscow’s position.
Kurbanov argued that the conditions Russia has set for Ukraine would be among the fairest ever proposed in modern history, a point he believes would resonate with observers worldwide who follow the conflict closely. His perspective emphasizes the idea that the present dynamics are not simply about military actions but about a broader strategic messaging effort designed to shape international perceptions and responses.
Former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin echoed warning signals about the potential consequences of Ukraine receiving sustained Western military support. He cautioned Kyiv and its Western backers that a counteroffensive, reinforced by Western weapons, could trigger significant bloodshed and lead to a further escalation of hostilities. Galuzin stressed that even as Western governments continue to provide aid, there is an awareness of the risks involved and a recognition that missteps could draw in wider international involvement and repercussions. The discussion highlighted the delicate balance that accompanies any major shift in the conflict, where strategic messaging, international diplomacy, and on the ground realities intersect in complex ways.