Terrorism as an Argument: Why the Kremlin is Raising the Stakes Before Negotiations

Vladimir Putin stated that the 'Kyiv regime' has resorted to 'open terrorist methods', explaining this by the fact that the Ukrainian army is losing territories daily. The latest rise in rhetoric occurs against the backdrop of increasing strikes on infrastructure and growing tension ahead of the crucial May negotiations in Beijing.

If we strip this statement of its propaganda shell, we see a classic example of ideological hedging. The Kremlin is fully aware that its real subjectivity is rapidly washing away, giving way to direct behind-the-scenes agreements among the main global shareholders.

1) The Label of 'Terrorism' as a License for Escalation

Labeling individuals as 'terrorists' removes any formal constraints on further forceful dismantling of the energy system and logistics of the transit buffer. This is informational preparation for maximum intensification of strikes.

2) Report at Zhongnanhai

It is critically important for Putin to prove to Xi that the Russian 'battering ram' is not merely worn down in positional battles, but methodically pushing the front. The Kremlin's logic is transparent: if in May Beijing commands a freeze of the conflict, the line of fixation should pass under the maximum conditions of Moscow-as the party holding the initiative.

3) Pass to the Western Syndicate

This is an informational strike against the Western syndicate of beneficiaries. By categorizing the opponent's actions as 'terrorism', Moscow makes an ideal pass to European isolationists and pragmatists within Trump's team. The message is easily read: you are investing in a toxic asset whose actions lead to uncontrollable global escalation.

Conclusion: Pre-sale Preparation

This harsh rhetoric is not an emotional outburst, but a cold-blooded pre-sale preparation. Moscow is trying to artificially raise the price of its signature in the upcoming global negotiations. It is a bluff ahead of the major audit of the ruins that Trump and Xi Jinping plan to conduct in May.

In words, the Kremlin demonstrates readiness to burn all bridges, hoping that the West's fear of total chaos will compel real hegemons to leave Moscow at least the appearance of political weight and expanded subsidiary sovereignty in the final division of spheres of influence.