Russia threatens a 'Chernihiv offensive': Real purpose of disinformation revealed
Illustrative photo: a column of Russian military equipment (Getty Images)
Russia is spreading fake narratives about an alleged preparation for an offensive on Chernihiv, but the Center for Countering Disinformation (TsPD) warns that this is another information-psychological operation without any real military basis, states Andriy Kovalenko, head of the TsPD under the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO).
Andriy Kovalenko notes that this and other similar reports are intended to increase pressure on Ukrainian society and create the illusion of the Russian army’s omnipotence.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (TsPD) emphasizes that the spread of fake news about a possible offensive is linked not only to the military situation but also to broader diplomatic processes. In particular, Russia uses such information campaigns as a tool to pressure Ukraine and its partners, attempting to delay decisions on aid from the US and other allies.
The main goal of these disinformation efforts is to exert psychological influence on Ukrainian society, heighten anxiety, and create the impression that Russia is capable of "winning everywhere on the front" and opening new directions for an offensive.
At the same time, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian army has no real capabilities to launch an offensive on Chernihiv. Ukrainian forces fully control the situation in the Chernihiv region, and enemy provocations on the border territories are promptly stopped.
The TsPD also reminded that Russia previously used similar information tactics regarding the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. At that time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces successfully repelled the enemy, who lacked sufficient resources for a full-scale offensive on major cities.
The TsPD urges Ukrainians to remain calm and rely only on official information, as the information front remains one of the key directions of Russian attacks.
Russian forces have also failed to take control of Pokrovsk, prompting the enemy to intensify propaganda and spread fake news about the situation in the city.
Today, December 3, Major Andriy Kovalov, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told RBC-Ukraine that Ukrainian troops continue to hold the northern part of Pokrovsk roughly along the railway line.
According to the General Staff, on the Northern Slobozhanskyi and Kursk directions, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attacks over the past 24 hours. In addition, the enemy carried out 163 shellings, including two with multiple launch rocket systems.
