The publication of video footage showing the destruction of civilian objects in Kyiv is not just a report on military operations, but part of a large-scale internal information campaign. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
The expert claims that the main goal of showing such footage is not the international community, but Russia's own population. According to Kovalenko, the authorities are trying to distract citizens from growing internal problems that are becoming increasingly obvious to society.
Distracting from Real Problems
Among the key factors that the Kremlin is trying to hide from the general audience, the expert cites a fuel shortage, regular strikes on Russian territory, and daily attacks by Ukrainian weapons. At the same time, it was no longer possible to hide numerous clips of fires at Russian factories, which creates a negative background for official propaganda.
Kovalenko also noted that Russian authorities traditionally limit information about the situation in the Belgorod region and other border regions, which have effectively turned into frontline zones. However, attempts to completely silence what is happening inside the country are becoming less and less effective.
Distrust of the Official Version
A bright example of growing skepticism was the attitude of Russians towards the tragedy at the beach in Gelendzhik. Despite accusations against Ukraine by military correspondents and official speakers of the Russian Federation, a significant part of the population did not believe the official version of the deaths. Many citizens believe that the drone was shot down by Russian air defense directly over people.
"Furthermore, Russians also did not believe the official version of the deaths at the beach in Gelendzhik and mostly complained about Russian air defense, which shot down a drone near people, despite the shouts and accusations against Ukraine by military correspondents and official speakers of the Russian Federation," noted the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Attempt to Regain Control of the Agenda
Under these conditions, the Kremlin is trying to switch the attention of Russian society by showing fires in Kyiv and missile flights. According to Kovalenko, the Russian society is currently being "sold a picture" of success to create an illusion that the situation is under control.
"Right now, the Russian plebs are being sold a picture of fires in Kyiv and footage of missile flights so that the ordinary Russian thinks again that 'Putin is controlling the situation'. But this will not fix the facts of daily strikes on Russia. The Putin regime simply doesn't know how to do it any other way, so it switches the consciousness of lovers of cheap sausage and wallets," the expert emphasized.
Counteraction Strategy
Earlier, Andriy Kovalenko stated that limiting Russian shelling of Ukraine can only be done by strengthening Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. In his opinion, constant pressure on military and strategic objects in Russia is the only way to force the aggressor to reduce the intensity of attacks.
