Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Valery Gerasimov are increasingly framing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a direct "war with NATO" to justify military failures and prolonged hostilities. Despite Putin's claims of seizing over 3,000 square kilometers of territory this year, the Institute for the Study of War reports actual Russian gains between January and July were only 97 square kilometers. Analysts suggest the Kremlin is constructing a false reality to blame Western "sponsors" like the United States, France, and Germany for the lack of Russian success. By portraying the struggle as a fight against the collective West rather than a failure to defeat Ukraine, Moscow aims to prepare the Russian public for potential wider mobilization and increased escalation following upcoming parliamentary votes.