The United States Department of State commented on the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who for the first time referred to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a war rather than a 'special military operation.'
To continue moving towards acknowledging reality, the dictator was advised to take the next step, namely to withdraw troops from Ukraine, reports AFP.
'Since February 24, the United States and the rest of the world knew that Putin's 'special military operation' was an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. Finally, after 300 days, Putin called the war what it is. As the next step in recognizing reality, we urge him to end this war by withdrawing troops from Ukraine,' said the comment from the State Department.
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They emphasized that regardless of the words Putin uses, Russia's aggression against its sovereign neighbor has led to deaths, destruction, and a migration crisis.
'The people of Ukraine, without a doubt, are unlikely to be comforted by Putin stating the obvious, just as the tens of thousands of Russian families whose relatives died fighting for Putin,' the State Department added.
It is worth noting that the word 'war' has been criminalized in Russia since the beginning of the major invasion of Ukraine. Those who use it face penalties of at least a fine.
Vladimir Putin continues to deny Ukraine's right to exist as a separate state. He refuses to regard Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an equal partner.
This is further evidence that the Russian dictator is unwilling to engage in serious negotiations with Ukraine, as noted by the American Institute for the Study of War.