Russia using topic of 'foreign journalists' for another propaganda manipulation
Photo: Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian President (Getty Images)
Russian propaganda continues to spread provocative statements about allowing foreign journalists into Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kupiansk. In this way, the Kremlin seeks to create an illusion of Russia’s "humanity and peacefulness," according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Today, on November 5, the spokesperson for the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, claimed that foreign journalists are allegedly "showing great interest" in this proposal. At the same time, according to him, Ukraine is "obstructing Putin’s initiative."
Peskov added that Ukraine is supposedly trying to hide the "difficult situation of its troops."
"This kind of rhetoric is yet another propaganda manipulation by the Kremlin aimed at creating an illusion of Russia’s 'humanity and peacefulness' and accusing Ukraine of obstructing Russian quasi-humanitarian initiatives," the Center for Countering Disinformation explained.
The post highlighted a telling detail — the invitations sent to German journalists came from Vladimir Sergienko, a former assistant to Eugen Schmidt, a member of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
"According to public data, he may have been recruited by the FSB and is carrying out assignments for Russian intelligence services under the guise of journalistic activity," the Center noted.
Journalists’ invitations
On October 30, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered foreign journalists, including those from Ukraine, to be allowed into Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kupiansk. In this way, Russia seeks to "confirm" the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian forces in these cities.
The aggressor state even expressed its "readiness" to halt hostilities for five to six hours so journalists could visit these settlements.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reminded that Russia had already broken its own promises during the battles for Ilovaisk. Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine does not recommend journalists trust the "permission" of the Russian leader.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi called the Russian claims about the "encirclement" of Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk fake. He stated that there is no blockade of Ukrainian forces in those areas.
