British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Feb. 22

 British Intelligence update on Ukraine as of Feb. 22

On 21 February 2023, President Putin made his first State of the Nation speech since 2021. He made it clear that he intends to continue with the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.

He characterised Western elites as having “become a symbol of total unprincipled lies” and suspended Russia from the New START treaty.

Putin continued the bellicose tone he has adopted in speeches over the last six months but did not reveal any practical measures which might relieve Russia’s current deadlock on the battlefield.

Putin continues to present a contradictory narrative of existential struggle, while insisting everything in Russia is fine and going to plan. This renders both messages ineffective.