Putin Adviser Claims Ukraine Planned Invasion Before Russia’s 2022 Attack

A senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Ukraine planned to invade Russia on March 8, 2022, presenting the allegation as justification for Moscow’s military offensive. The claim, reported without independently verified evidence, reflects a longstanding Kremlin narrative that Russia acted preemptively. Ukraine and its allies have rejected such explanations, describing the invasion as an unprovoked attack. The adviser’s comments are to renew debate over competing wartime narratives, accountability, and use of disputed claims to defend Russia’s actions.