Ukrainian advance in Kursk sparks Russian propaganda frenzy
Russia once again ascends to the peaks of propaganda. In light of the Ukrainian offensive on the Kursk region, Russian state media reports that ruthless Ukrainians are invading small towns, disregarding the safety of civilian residents.
11 August 2024 07:04
The footage shows a segment from a programme aired on the state television channel Rossiya 1. It is hosted by one of the most recognizable propagandists, Olga Skabeyeva. Her guest describes how Russian forces are making efforts to halt the Ukrainian advance in the Kursk region.
Our victories are over fortifications. They entered peaceful villages where elderly people were basically alone with children, but they didn't care at all. It doesn't matter. What matters is to show their flag over the village and demonstrate that they are present on Russian territory. Absolutely base behaviour—how to say it, not unsporting, not military, but from these Banderites, we expect nothing less - said the frustrated propagandist.
Russia is like an abstract universe - reads a comment under the recording posted on the X platform.
Meanwhile, the truth is that on the Rossiya 1 channel, nothing was done except to carry out the will of the Kremlin. It took Putin's administration three days to issue journalists guidelines on how they should report on the actions of Ukrainian forces.
One of the elements of effective media propaganda is to portray Ukrainians as perpetrators against the civilian population, especially children. The segment on the state channel perfectly aligns with the Kremlin's expectations.
Panic among residents of the Kursk region. Entire families are leaving
The Russian Ministry of Defence has published footage showing their tanks taking up firing positions. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, over 84,000 people have already been evacuated from border towns in the Kursk region. An evacuation centre has been set up in Kursk, and a tent city is also being built on-site.
Scenes familiar to us from over two years ago are repeating, only this time in Russian territories with Russians involved. For almost 900 days of Russian aggression in Ukraine, their forces have repeatedly bombed schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and markets full of people.