For years, Russia insisted on calling it a special military operation. Peskov, the most moderate voice in the Kremlin, just dropped that framing entirely.
I spoke to geopolitical analyst Alex Christoforou to make sense of what's going on. He thinks the diplomatic window has closed.
The Alaska framework was Russia's last real shot at a negotiated exit, and Trump walked it back the moment he returned to Washington and started listening to Lindsey Graham and Rubio.
Russia is now hitting Kyiv on consecutive days: weapons facilities, drone storage, Patriot interceptor stockpiles, all confirmed by secondary explosions on video.
And Russia hasn't used its biggest missiles yet.
Putin said weeks ago they were "fine tuning" the Kinzhal for more precision. Christoforou's read on why: they're preparing to go even harder on Kyiv.
On whether this ends in war with NATO or a deal, he thinks a deal, but says the most dangerous actors aren't Trump or Putin...
They're the European leaders who don't care what happens to Ukraine, as long as Russia is defeated.
Great having @AXChristoforou on. Hope you enjoy.
