Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has publicly stated that the conflict in Ukraine is now a “war,” marking a significant shift in rhetoric from Russia’s initial framing. Previously, the Kremlin consistently referred to the invasion as a “special military operation.” This acknowledgement comes after months of fighting and escalating tensions. Peskov’s statement represents a notable departure from the carefully curated narrative Russia has maintained since February 2022. While the reason for the change in terminology remains unclear, it may reflect the growing realities on the ground and the prolonged nature of the conflict. The shift could also be an attempt to prepare the Russian public for a protracted war. This development is likely to be viewed as a tacit admission of the scale and seriousness of the conflict by the international community.