Russia Says Ukraine War Has Shifted to a New “Tougher” Stage

The Kremlin announced that the conflict in Ukraine has entered a new stage, calling it a “different paradigm. ”The statement followed Russia’s heavy overnight air attacks that left at least 17 civilians dead and wounded around a hundred people. The Russian leader’s spokesman blamed Kyiv for what he described as “inhumane acts of terror” against civilians, especially children. He said that if the Ukrainian government is deliberately targeting non‑combatants, then the war has changed in a fundamental way. Russia says it is now focusing its strikes on military targets, such as the capital and other cities. It claims these actions are a response to a large drone attack that killed 21 people in an eastern town controlled by Russia. Kyiv denies hitting the dormitory and says it was aiming at a drone command centre instead.Despite the escalation, Moscow insists that it remains open to talks with the United States about ending hostilities. The Kremlin says that a peace deal could be reached if Kyiv pulls its forces out of four regions Russia claims as its own. Ukraine rejects this demand, calling it a forced surrender. The new Russian narrative suggests that the war’s character has changed because of civilian casualties, while Kyiv argues that its actions are purely military. The situation remains tense as both sides claim the other is responsible for escalating violence.