Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting with senior officials and military commanders Credit: GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL
| Published June 19, 2025
‘Special military operation’ doesn’t go far enough, president is warned after humiliation of drone attack
As the war in Ukraine grinds on with mounting Russian casualties and strategic setbacks, President Vladimir Putin is facing growing pressure—not from Western powers, but from within his own ranks. A chorus of Russian hardliners, including military bloggers, ex-commanders, ideologues, and nationalist officials, are demanding that Putin escalate the conflict by formally declaring war. These “Z-patriots” accuse the Kremlin of indecision and weakness, pushing for total mobilization, ideological clarity, and a more aggressive campaign to crush Ukraine. Their rising influence signals a dangerous turn: one that could drag Russia—and the region—into an even bloodier phase of war.
🔍 Rising Internal Pressure
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Russian ultranationalist “Z-patriots”, including military bloggers, politicians, and war-focused social media voices, are strongly urging President Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict—potentially by officially declaring war and expanding military operations deeper into Ukraine
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These voices are not fringe—they carry weight in Moscow’s power structures and reflect sentiment from those on the front lines frustrated by perceived Russian hesitancy .
⚔️ Key Figures & Their Demands
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Igor Girkin (Strelkov), a former Donbas commander, sharply criticized Putin’s leadership from Telegram, questioning his presence and calling for resolute action. He dismissed Putin as a “mummy” lacking control
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Religious-nationalist voices, including Chechnya’s Ramzan Kadyrov and Kremlin advisor Alexei Pavlov, have framed the war in spiritual terms—describing it as a “jihad” against a Satanic Ukraine—calling for ideological clarity rather than compromise
🧭 Drivers Behind the Push
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Battlefield Frustrations
Russian forces have failed major offensives, suffering heavy casualties. Hardliners claim such losses demand a full war effort with clear political commitment . -
Ideological Momentum
Celebratory narratives of historical destiny and nationalist pride have energized factions that resist any pause or negotiation . -
Fear of Appeasing the West
The prospect of diplomacy or pauses is deemed a betrayal by hardline factions—seen as allowing the West to regain leverage
⚖️ Putin’s Balancing Act
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Putin has shown caution—not formally declaring war and resisting demands for expanded conscription—while framing Western sanctions as equivalent to war
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He has leaned on diplomatic messaging—attempting to attract neutral powers like India and China—presenting Russia as a victim of sanctions rather than an aggressor .
Implications
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Increased Risk of Escalation
If Putin caves to ultranationalist demands, Russia could formally shift from a “special military operation” to a total war footing, triggering expanded mobilization, intensified strikes, and deeper incursions into Ukrainian territory. -
Possible Nationwide Conscription
A declaration of war would likely justify wider conscription efforts, possibly affecting urban centers that have so far been shielded—this could stir unrest among middle-class Russians. -
Wider Regional Threat
Hardliners often advocate for military actions that could extend beyond Ukraine’s borders—raising tensions with NATO and risking accidental or intentional spillover. -
Erosion of Diplomatic Off-Ramps
Escalating the conflict officially would shut down peace negotiation possibilities, hardening positions on both sides and entrenching a long war. -
Internal Political Risk for Putin
Yielding to the far-right could backfire. If a full-scale war falters, Putin’s leadership may face backlash from both the military and the Russian public. -
Ukraine Gains International Sympathy and Support
A formal war declaration may galvanize even more military and economic support for Ukraine, especially from hesitant nations who see it as unprovoked aggression.
Overall Takeaway:
The mounting pressure from Russian hardliners signals a dangerous pivot in the Ukraine conflict. Their calls for full-scale war, ideological zeal, and uncompromising aggression are pushing Putin toward a point of no return. While the Kremlin has so far resisted a formal declaration, these voices are reshaping internal politics and raising the stakes—for Russia, Ukraine, and the global order. If Putin yields, it could ignite a broader and more brutal phase of war with far-reaching consequences.
