What Actions is Russia Taking Regarding Ukraine? Eastern Expert Armen Petrosyan

Eastern expert Armen Petrosyan's commentary.

There is a colossal geopolitical, diplomatic, informational-propaganda, psychological, and nerve confrontation surrounding Ukraine. As is characteristic of any conflict situation, there is a significant lack of objective information in this case as well.

Nevertheless, at this stage, it seems we are witnessing Russia's legal, informational-propaganda, and logistical maneuvers showcasing to the world that Ukraine is preparing to attack the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics. Evacuations of the population have been initiated, a nationwide military mobilization has been declared, and a propaganda backdrop necessary for staging Ukraine's offensive has been secured... The logic is straightforward: whoever supposedly attacks first bears the blame.

On the legal front, a document recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk is already on V. Putin's desk. This means that the diplomatic-legal environment that has thus far existed concerning this issue could fundamentally change, which poses catastrophic consequences first for Ukraine, then for Russia, and potentially for the entire world.

In recent months, the conflicting parties have recorded some interim gains and failures, which is another topic for analysis.

From a packaging perspective, what is occurring outwardly aligns with the situation that has been evident over the last two months with Western and Kyiv actions against Russia—daily propaganda and military maneuvers concerning Russia's supposed invasion of Ukraine.

Under the current conditions, we are witnessing an unprecedented rise in tensions, sufficiently close to a peak, i.e., a 'one step away from war' situation. This means it is predictable that if not in the coming hours, then at least within days, a release of tensions must occur—either in military or diplomatic spheres.

And although developments at this moment are largely in military and propaganda areas, the opportunity for shifting and succeeding in moving the issue into the realm of diplomacy is also extremely significant.