New Russian Duma Signals Escalation as Putin Rejects Foreign Aid
Vladimir Putin addressed the newly elected Russian State Duma, asserting that Russia will not seek foreign aid and will continue its 'special military operation' in Ukraine. The new parliament, dominated by United Russia and featuring a significant number of war veterans, signals a deepening of militarization. While Moscow claims economic confidence, Western officials accuse Russia of escalating hybrid warfare against Europe to sever support for Kyiv. Russian strategists have warned of potential nuclear escalation if Western backing continues, though direct conflict with NATO remains unlikely.