Forecast on Russian Information Campaigns
The Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council forecasts that over the next two weeks, Russian propaganda will intensify its use of the theme of protests in Ukraine in its information campaigns.
According to a post on Facebook, hostile sources are expected to spread false claims that the Ukrainian people supposedly demand "capitulation," "overthrow of the government," and "ending the war at any cost."
Additionally, there is an expectation of intensified information operations targeting residents of frontline regions.
"In particular, false reports about the alleged evacuation of military administration personnel, provocative 'leaks' purportedly from Ukrainian military or local authorities will be disseminated to intimidate people and create the impression of a collapse of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's defenses," the statement notes.
It is also expected that Russians will continue their information manipulations, ranging from attempts to discredit Ukraine in the context of negotiations in Istanbul to promoting the exchange of prisoners of war and undermining trust in Ukrainian air defense forces.
Russian media are spreading the fake story that Ukrainian servicemen released from Russian captivity are allegedly facing criminal prosecution for desertion.
