Russian President Vladimir Putin has today admitted that the conflict in Ukraine is a "war". This admission is a significant shift in the discourse surrounding the conflict, which has been raging for almost five years now.
Since the start of the conflict in 2014, Russia has denied that it was involved in any military operations in Ukraine. This has been disputed by the international community, who have repeatedly accused Russia of providing military support to pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The admission of a "war" by Putin is an important step in acknowledging the reality of the situation. This is particularly significant for those living in Ukraine and Russia, as it has a direct impact on their lives, livelihoods, and security.
Putin's admission also has wider implications for the international community. It is likely to have an impact on the diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, and the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia since 2014.
At the same time, it is important to note that Putin's admission of a "war" does not necessarily mean that the situation will improve or that the conflict will end soon. It remains to be seen what the implications of this admission will be in the long-term.
In conclusion, Putin's admission of a "war" in Ukraine is an important step in acknowledging the reality of the conflict, and the impact it has on those living in Ukraine and Russia. However, the implications of his admission are yet to be seen.