Russian propaganda struggles as Ukrainian forces win in Kursk
It didn't take long for Russian society to start positioning their country as a victim. The actions of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region provided this opportunity.
Many of the reports conveyed by Russian media and government representatives are likely not true. These reports may be an element of the information war on the part of the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian politician Anton Gerashchenko posted a recording on his social media showing Russians talking about the battles in Kursk.
I'm negative about it, the main thing is to defend your own territory, not to invade others, so... I think it's a bit of rat act... From the Ukraine side - stated a young Russian.
A young Russian woman had a similar opinion.
I think the escalation will continue. It's terrible, terrible, is it a big surprise for me? No. I don't understand why there is no Western reaction. and condemnation of it, just a double standard - she stated.
Another Russian asked about the situation in Kursk also admitted that he has a negative attitude towards it and that he feels sorry for the people in that region who are suffering.
I wish them the best of health and I wish our guys who ar enow on the SMO good luck and peace in the world - he stated.
Two years earlier, when Russia was invading Ukrainian territories, none of the Russians sympathised with the residents of the occupied areas. On the contrary, they deemed the invasion of Ukraine as entirely justified.
Ukrainians occupy Kursk. Putin loses face in the eyes of Russians
Despite strong propaganda, more and more people, including state television employees, are starting to doubt whether Russia will be able to repel the Ukrainian attack on the Kursk region. Studies conducted by FilterLabs AI, which monitors sentiments in Russia by analysing social networks and news services, evidence this.
Kursk is not the only recent Ukrainian victory. Ukrainian military intelligence soldiers successfully attacked a warehouse located near the village of Ostrogozhsk in the Voronezh region of Russia.
The facility stored artillery and tank shells, small arms ammunition and surface-to-air missiles for the occupying forces - more than 5,000 tons of ammunition in all - it was reported in a statement.
The fire has yet to be extinguished. A state of emergency has been declared in the region. About 200 people have been evacuated.
August 24 is Ukraine's Independence Day. This year, Kyiv is celebrating it for the 33rd time.
