Russia preparing to declare victory ahead of invasion anniversary, Ukraine's intelligence
Illustrative photo: Russia is preparing "victorious" narratives for the anniversary of the full-scale invasion (Getty Images)
Russian propagandists, as well as the special services, received instructions from the Kremlin to promote "victorious" narratives ahead of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, informs the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR).
The goal of the enemy's information campaign is to:
- Fuel distrust within Ukrainian society;
- Destabilize the situation inside Ukraine;
- Discredit Ukraine among partner states that provide critically important military aid.
According to GUR data, some of the key enemy narratives will include:
- "The West has betrayed Ukraine";
- "The opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians does not concern either Moscow or Washington";
- "The US and Russia have agreed on everything behind Ukraine's back";
- "The Ukrainian government is illegitimate";
- "The Ukrainian army is losing on the front";
- "Corrupt officials in Ukraine are stealing billions of dollars in American aid."
Additionally, Russia plans to announce a supposed "victory" in the war by the anniversary of the full-scale invasion - February 24, 2025. Statements may also be made about "Russia's victory over NATO" because enemy propaganda has long portrayed the full-scale war as a war against the Alliance.
In particular, the Kremlin's special services have been instructed to use the activation of diplomatic efforts by the new US presidential administration regarding the end of the full-scale war, as well as a bilateral meeting of delegations in Saudi Arabia, in information-psychological campaigns.
"One of the key objectives of the new Kremlin propaganda manuals is to cover up Russia's status as an isolated aggressor and war criminal in the civilized world with the cloak of being the supposedly 'constructive side' of the conflict, ready for a peaceful settlement," writes GUR, adding that for Ukraine's European allies, Russia plans to use the stamp of "enemies of peace."
Russian propaganda
Russia is conducting large-scale information campaigns aimed at justifying the war against Ukraine, discrediting the West, and dividing public opinion. The main narratives of Russian propaganda include accusations of Ukraine being "Nazi," justifications of aggression as "protecting Russian speakers," and promoting conspiracy theories about the West supposedly using Ukraine to fight Russia. State-run media, social media bots, and pro-Kremlin "experts" play an important role in spreading disinformation both inside the country and abroad.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently stated the Kremlin is running a special campaign to hide the economic consequences of the war.
