Ukraine pushes fight into Russia and weakens Kremlin’s narrative | Ukraine news
A former Polish defense minister argues Kyiv’s cross-border strikes are eroding Kremlin myths and stirring elite dissent, signaling deeper political pressure inside Russia.
Ukraine is strengthening its levers of influence in the war with Russia: moving the fighting onto Russian territory is gradually undermining the Kremlin’s myth of a “special military operation” and increasing pressure on Moscow in the international order.
This view was expressed by former Polish Minister of Defense Janusz Onyszkiewicz during an interview.
If we use President Trump’s terminology, Ukraine has cards, and, as it turns out, very substantial ones, of which Putin is increasingly convinced
– Janusz Onyszkiewicz
According to him, for several years the war for most Russians had a colonial character: hostilities unfolded far from the territory of the Russian Federation and hardly affected the lives of its citizens.
Now it’s clear that this is a war that still affects Russians. And that Peskov has already begun to call what is happening not a special military operation, but a war, also speaks volumes
– Janusz Onyszkiewicz
In his view, there is gradually developing a tendency to rethink the historical myth of the war as Russia’s mission in world history.
Russians will come to the conclusion that this war must be ended – just as it happened with the United States in Vietnam. The Vietnam War was then not won because the Vietnamese pushed out the Americans, but simply because it proved impossible to continue it further. In a similar way, this happened with Russia in Afghanistan – it was forced to withdraw due to a shift in mood inside the country
– Janusz Onyszkiewicz
At the same time, the expert drew attention to the emergence of critical assessments of the war among representatives of Russian elites.
Putin, undoubtedly, remains obsessed with his imperial policy. But more and more influential Russians are starting to question it. This is evident from statements by the leadership of the Central Bank of Russia, as well as certain Russian generals. In short, criticism of this war is beginning to form in Russia, and we hope it will only intensify
– Janusz Onyszkiewicz
Onyszkiewicz also drew attention to the fact that the annexed Crimea, which the Kremlin presented as the main symbol of its success, is increasingly turning into a problem for Russia.
Crimea, which was supposed to be the jewel in Russia’s crown, is now a burden and ballast for Russia. The aura of incredible success that was to accompany the seizure of Crimea and this war begins to fade and retreat into the past
– Janusz Onyszkiewicz
Russia is also showing signs of crisis in its defense sector and economy: pressure to meet quotas for forming civil defense units is growing, and projects for exploiting the Arctic and developing the Northern Sea Route are becoming unprofitable due to international isolation, sanctions and the collapse of infrastructure.
Analysts note a rise in criticism of the war among Russian elites, which may define a new tone of policy in the future. Experts’ views point to changes in trust toward official narratives and to the real consequences of the protracted conflict for Russia.
Overall, the conversation with the former Polish minister of defense emphasizes that global dynamics are focusing on reducing the Kremlin’s influence and strengthening Ukraine’s position on the political and military arena, pushing Russia to reconsider its own strategic calculations.
In the context of Crimea and the decreasing prestige of Russia’s military campaign, ongoing stabilization depends more on internal changes in society and the elites than on forceful actions, against the backdrop of growing international isolation and changing moods in the world.
Expert assessment indicates growing attention to Ukraine’s potential, strengthening critical reflection in the Russian political and economic environment, and the emergence of new geopolitical conditions shaping the further development of events in the region.