Turmoil in Kursk as Ukrainian offensive sparks panic in Russia
In Russia, there is turmoil due to an attack by the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region. The issue was even addressed on Russian state television. Vladimir Solovyov, a leading Kremlin propagandist, stated that after the Ukrainian attack, "panic" ensued among Russians. He listed those responsible. However, Putin was not on the list.
Many of the information shared by Russian media or government officials are part of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.
Solovyov discussed the Ukrainian attack on his program broadcast on Rossiya 1 TV, where—along with other propagandists—he commented on current events.
The Kremlin's favourite demanded punishment for those responsible for the entry of the Ukrainian army into Russian territory. "There were signals that something was being prepared. Somewhere, someone didn't perform. Specialists will clarify this. A border audit is needed," he said.
He further admitted that panic ensued in Russian society. At the same time, he accused the media and military bloggers of "spreading panic." "Whoever spreads panic is a traitor," he thundered.
However, the list of those responsible ends there. Solovyov praised the Russian authorities for building fortifications. He called their reaction "exemplary". He reminded that residents of the Kursk region who were forced to leave their homes are to receive 10,000 rubles in compensation. However, he did not mention that even by Russian standards, this amount is less than symbolic.
Katarzyna Chawryło from the Centre for Eastern Studies noted on social media that the impression that Russian propaganda briefly got out of control is only superficial.
"A very important aspect of propaganda is to never accidentally criticize Putin. The 'steam' went into finding scapegoats within the country—propagandists can afford this in this difficult situation," the expert wrote on platform X.
Offensive in the Kursk region: Unprecedented action by Ukrainians
The Ukrainian army entered the borders of the Kursk region on Tuesday. According to the latest reports, Ukrainians control 28 settlements in this region where about 2,000 people live.
It is estimated that Ukrainian forces entered approximately 40 kilometres into Russian territory in some places, occupying a strip about 11 kilometres wide.
More than 76,000 people have already been evacuated from the Kursk region.
