The war between Russia And Ukraine continues to devastate lives, resources and hopes, transforming Eastern Europe into a theater of destruction and leaving the world suspended between diplomacy and increasingly evident escalation. The latest events reflect not only the brutality of the conflict, but also its intricate geopolitical dimension, to say the least.
A few days ago, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the loss of a young pilot, shot down during a mission near Kherson. “Today we lost a young Ukrainian pilot: the pilot of the 299th tactical aviation brigade did not return from the combat mission,” we read in an official note.
Ukrainian pilots face extremely dangerous missions, often operating at the limits of their physical and mental capabilities. “They use all available attack means, including those of foreign production, and must enter the zone of action of the enemy’s air defense”the statement continues. The invitation from the Air Force is clear: “We need more resources, weapons and greater determination from our partners to achieve a just peace in Ukraine!”
Meanwhile, a Pokrovsk and in the surrounding areas, Russian forces continue to advance. According to the military correspondent Muchnoi, “Ukrainian forces attempted a counterattack from Peschanoe through the thickets towards Shevchenko, but were repelled with heavy losses” (Telegram @Muchnoj). Russian forces, supported by aviation, artillery and drones, appear to have consolidated their positions, liberating the rest of the Pushkino territory and progressing towards Slavjanka. These developments force the Ukrainian command to redeploy reserves and reorganize the operational-tactical group ‘Donbass’.
In this context, the words of Zelensky shed further light on a dark aspect of the conflict: Moscow’s use of North Korean soldiers. “The Russians began using North Korean soldiers in assaults. These soldiers have been integrated into mixed units in the Kursk region and could also be deployed in other areas of the front,” the Ukrainian leader declared, “Glory to the heroes”.
“In fact, Moscow involved another state in this war. Without a strong reaction from the world, Russia continues to worsen the conflict.” he reiterated Zelensky. “If this is not an example of escalation, then what is the escalation that many are talking about? It is Putin himself who is taking actions that widen and prolong this war. He is the one who prevents any possibility of peace and wants the world to face further problems in Asia too. This is why the Russians are training North Korea for modern warfare.” concluded the Ukrainian president.
On the field, close to Chasiv Yarnear Bachmutmilitary operations are increasingly intertwined with propaganda. Ramzan Kadyrovfollowing the Tsar’s diktat, celebrated the elimination of a group of Ukrainian saboteurs by his special units, sharing the news on his Telegram channel (@Kadyrov_95). The Chechen leader also wanted to underline that many Ukrainian soldiers receive just twenty days of training before being sent to the front, often in precarious psychological conditions, thus fueling the Russian narrative of a Ukrainian army on its last legs.
On the other hand, Kiev responds by extolling the successes of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the national intelligence and counterintelligence agency, which in one week inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces: 18 tanks, 41 armored vehicles, 21 artillery systems destroyed and 254 occupants neutralized. “If you also want to contribute with surgical precision to the elimination of the enemy, send your application,” reads an announcement on the official website of the SBU, which aims to recruit new recruits.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putindespite what was claimed by some Western media, which said he had “disappeared from national television screens”, he appears at center stage, engaged in promoting the federal “Time of Heroes” project in the new regions. At the XXII United Russia party congress, Russification emerged as the centerpiece of a strategy that combines armed conflict with control of narratives. In his speech, the Russian leader reiterated the importance of social cohesion and historical memory, defining them as fundamental pillars for the country’s future. “Faith in the country, the unity of the people and the aspiration for victory are essential to guarantee stability and security of the state”he declared.
Its narrative, aimed at strengthening internal consensus, insists on traditional values and spirituality as central elements of national identity. In this context, the “Time of Heroes” project continues its expansion, consolidating Russification as a crucial piece of the political and cultural strategy of the Kremlin.
At the same time, new dynamics are emerging on the economic front of the West that intertwine international politics and commercial interests: Ukraine has twice postponed the signing of a mining agreement with the Bidenhoping for a change of scenery with the settlement of Donald Trump at the White House. According to the New York TimesKiev aims to present the agreement as a success of the new American administration, underlining the interest in strategic collaboration based on natural resources. However, the United States continues to provide massive military aid: within a few weeks, Ukraine is expected to receive thousands of missiles, hundreds of armored vehicles and another 500 million dollars.
Initiatives such as the state application “Army Plus” – commented today by Zelensky in an institutional video – fully fall into this strategy. Presented as a concrete progress to improve the conditions of the Ukrainian military, it allows more agile transfers between National Guard units, with the aim of extending them to the Armed Forces as well. With over 3,600 requests already approved, Zelensky underlines the importance of motivating the “warriors” and optimizing resources, strengthening morale at the front, among civilians and international partners.
This patchwork of events paints a picture of constant escalation, with both sides engaged in a war of narratives as well as combat. Russia seeks to consolidate its domestic consensus through traditional and spiritual values, while Ukraine aims to mobilize international support, portraying Moscow as a global threat.
The use of North Korean soldiers, the rhetoric of Zelensky and Putin, and the actions of mutual sabotage are pieces of a war that reflects the dynamics of “A Hero of Our Time” by Lermontov: how Pechorinthe protagonists of the conflict seem incapable of breaking the cycle of destruction and death. Both sides manipulate narratives to paint themselves as heroes and enemies as oppressors. The phrase “Eternal glory to the heroes” becomes a propaganda mantra that conceals the brutality of war, just like the actions of Pechorin they hide the emptiness that drives him.
All this represents just one piece of a larger geopolitical puzzle, a crucial test for the international order. While the lives of soldiers and civilians are shattered (according to Ukrainian sources, Russian losses exceeded 750,000 men), decisions made in the corridors of power in Moscow, Kiev, Washington and beyond will shape the future, tracing the contours of a history which echoes the shadow of a Third World War, even if still “fragmented”.
