Kyiv/Moscow – The rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine war has intensified, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleging Russia is using “spy tankers” for covert missions, while President Vladimir Putin has warned of a major escalation if the U.S. supplies certain missiles.
Zelenskyy made the startling claim that Russia’s oil tanker fleet is being used for “reconnaissance and even sabotage activities.” This accusation points to a hybrid warfare strategy by Moscow, leveraging commercial assets for military intelligence and disruptive operations.
The Ukrainian leader, however, expressed resolve. In a post on Telegram, he stated that Kyiv is working with its allies to counter this threat, affirming that “it is entirely possible to stop this.”
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Putin delivered a stern message to Washington. He cautioned that providing Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation,” as it would require the participation of U.S. military personnel.
This warning was paired with a boast of military success. Putin claimed his forces have seized control of almost 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025, giving Russia the “complete strategic initiative” on the battlefield.