"Kremlin Declares Russia in State of War in Ukraine for First Time"

The Kremlin has declared that Russia is "in a state of war" in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in its official language regarding the conflict. Despite initially framing its actions as a "special military operation," Russia has now acknowledged the situation as a war, particularly in response to Western involvement. The Kremlin's shift in terminology comes amid increased censorship and prosecution of individuals who oppose the conflict, with over 900 criminal cases launched in the past two years.