Russian hardliners press Putin for full mobilization and war escalation

Russian nationalist circles, described by Reuters as “hawks,” are urging President Vladimir Putin to abandon diplomatic talks with the United States and move toward full mobilization of Russia’s armed forces. The hardliners call for the destruction of Ukraine’s government, the assassination of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, strikes on European drone factories, and even the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons. Their rhetoric has intensified after recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, St Petersburg, Crimea and two deadly bus attacks that Russia blames on Kyiv. Prominent nationalist Konstantin Malofeev questioned why Russia does not yet use its inherited nuclear arsenal, while blog “Obsessed by War” and other extremist commentators have urged bombardment of Ukrainian cities and a complete collapse of the Ukrainian state. Kremlin officials acknowledge the pressure but have so far resisted calls to end negotiations, despite some senior officials accusing the United States of failing to deliver on peace proposals made at the 2022 summit in Alaska.