Despite the Kremlin’s Claims, Ukraine Is Showing Strength and Determination
The Kremlin and its proxies continue to spread false narratives since invading further into Ukraine on February 24. Our information indicates Russia is creating a disinformation campaign by publicizing false reports about the widespread surrender of Ukraine’s troops. Our information also indicates that Russia plans to threaten killing the family members of Ukraine’s soldiers if they do not surrender. This is an attempt by Russia to discourage the Armed Forces of Ukraine from defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Contrary to the Kremlin’s false claims, the people of Ukraine are demonstrating great strength, determination, and courage in response to Putin’s ruthless, unprovoked, and premeditated war. We have seen Ukraine’s soldiers demonstrate commitment and bravery shooting down Russia’s aircraft, firing at tanks, and holding many of their positions while under heavy attack.
The people of Ukraine without military training are also defending their democracy. Lines of ordinary citizens have formed outside government buildings to collect weapons to fight Russia’s troops.
Documenting Russia’s Fabrications
This recent disinformation campaign is the latest example of the Russian government’s attempts to demoralize Ukraine’s defense personnel. Starting in late 2021, the Russian government stepped up a text message campaign and posted online material urging Ukraine’s military personnel to defy or kill their commanders, lay down their weapons, and refuse to die in the service of so-called corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs. This tactic is not new. In 2014, after the Kremlin instigated a conflict in the Donbas in Ukraine, Russia started bombarding Ukrainian forces with text-based propaganda.
Independent Media Fact-check Russia’s Claims That It Does Not Bomb Ukrainian Cities
Despite independent media coverage of Russia’s missile attacks on major cities in Ukraine, including video of attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Mariupol, Russia’s state-owned TASS and RIA Novosti media outlets continue to cite the Russian Defense Ministry’s false claims that Russia does not conduct artillery or missile attacks on Ukraine’s cities and does not threaten civilians.