Russia has admitted to being in a "de facto" war with Ukraine, blaming the West for the escalation. The conflict escalated after Western states began arming Ukraine. Russia still refers to the invasion as a "special military operation."
Key Points
Russia admits to being in a de facto war with Ukraine
Conflict escalated after Western states began arming Ukraine
Russia still refers to the invasion as a special military operation
Russia accuses Ukraine of occupying Russian territory
Russia seeks to liberate territories it had annexed in the past