Posted on 05/02/2023 11:58:59 AM PDT by Red Badger
The Kremlin is suddenly concerned with saving face ahead of an imminent Ukrainian counteroffensive.
After spending the last year reassuring Russians that victory is inevitable in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin is now frantically working to lower expectations—and rolling out a contingency plan to lessen the impact of a humiliating defeat.
A new manual prepared by Russia’s presidential administration and distributed to the Kremlin’s army of propagandists contains some surprising instructions: Do not “underestimate” Ukraine’s impending counter-offensive and do not spread the idea that Kyiv is somehow “not ready” for it.
That’s according to the independent news outlet Meduza, which says it obtained a fresh copy of the manual and spoke to sources close to the Kremlin about it.
“If the offensive is unsuccessful, it will be possible to say: the army [of Russia] skillfully fended off an attack that was superior in power,” making the “victory” that much more impressive, the sources were quoted saying.
But perhaps more importantly, the sources explained, if the Ukrainian military manages to take back territories and claim battlefield victories “with the help of weapons from the U.S. and Europe,” Russia’s losses will be understandable—after all, they were up against the “entire West.”
In that case, the sources said, the Russian military will also be seen as having “pulled through.”
And just in case any Russian citizens begin to wonder about the colossal amount of funds the government is funneling to the very same Ukrainian territories it decimated before declaring them “part of Russia,” propagandists are advised to steer clear of the subject.
Instead, Kremlin spin doctors want their mouthpieces to churn out material on Russia upgrading schools and kindergartens, or hospitals.
“It’s clear there will be problems with the economy, and it’s clear why. Spending on the ‘special military operation’ isn’t going anywhere,” one source close to the presidential administration said, noting that funds will go towards the “new regions” rather than the old ones and people will inevitably feel neglected. “It is better not to show in specific amounts how much was taken [for the new regions].”
The Kremlin’s new guidelines are a stunning reversal from just a year ago, when propagandists were still pushing the idea that Russia would soon be reborn as a mighty superpower taking control of huge swathes of Ukraine.
At that time, the war was still a distant reality for many Russians—unlike now, when even residents in St. Petersburg and Moscow are on edge over drone attacks and even, in some cases, bomb-toting “Ukrainian pigeons.”
Security concerns were cited as the reason for the cancellation of Russia’s beloved Victory Day celebrations in some cities on May 9.
“There will be no parade, so as not to provoke the enemy with a large concentration of equipment and military personnel in the center of Belgorod,” the governor of the border region said last month.
Even in Moscow, the country’s biggest Victory Day parade this year will forego its traditional procession of the Immortal Regiment, which sees thousands march carrying portraits of loved ones who died fighting in World War II. Authorities reportedly feared some people might show up carrying portraits of troops killed in Ukraine, inadvertently calling attention to the staggering losses there.
The Kremlin reportedly instructed its propagandists not to “play up” preparations for the parade.
And Moscow officials are also on high alert over any potential embarrassing disruptions in the parade: Utility workers have been ordered to patrol the city in search of bombs or drones ahead of the event, according to Sota.
That move came after a Ukrainian banker publicly offered 20 million hryvnias (about $545,000) to anyone who can design a drone—ideally painted with “Glory to Ukraine!”—that will land on Moscow’s Red Square in the middle of the parade.
Putin is a groomer....
Is this before or after he dies of cancer?
Which is zero. Since any “leaker” would be quickly liquified and leaked into a hole. Consider the source Daily Beast.
I don’t predict who will win the war or even the coming “counteroffensive”.
However, I despise the pos propagandists who come on here and demand that every Russian setback is a lie and Ukraine lost the war a year ago.
It will be interesting if they actually pick up the Kremlin’s latest talking points.
The Russian propaganda in this article is far more realistic than what those creeps have been peddling.
.
😂🥱
Biden's team fears the aftermath of a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive
Behind closed doors, the administration worries about what Ukraine can accomplish.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/24/biden-ukraine-russia-counteroffensive-defense-00093384
‘...Russia’s losses will be understandable—after all, they were up against the “entire West.”’
Hmmm, where have we heard this before???
Here come all the children lured by the shiny bauble in Ukraine and their smelly diapers.
Look over here, look over here and ignore the destruction going on in the USA. SUCKERS!
You’re the one causing a controversy over Europe for some reason, when you should be fighting the political battles at home.
If you want to post about the border, why do you post about Ukraine?
Update on the conflict in Ukraine for May 1, 2023:
- Russia has conducted multiple large-scale missile strikes across Ukraine including the targeting of potential sta
- Russian missile strikes are also exhausting Ukraine's air defense capabilities at a rate difficult for its Western allies to replace;
- Errant Ukrainian S-300 missiles falling into populated areas and causing civilian casualties are now regularly blamed on Russia;
- Several of Ukraine's remaining S-300 systems appeared to be moving into Kherson to provide potential air defenses ahead of the expected offensive but were discovered and destroyed by Russian Lancet kamikaze drones;
- There has a been an up-tick in fantastical propaganda across the West, reflecting the growing issues Ukraine's war efforts face in reality;
Talking here about the borders will not change anything, and neither will talking about Ukraine. No one is forcing you to be on this thread either. Please go to one that more tickles your fancy. Thanks for your time.
“5 alarm fire in downtown Moscow makes way for GLORIOUS new tractor factory”
rUSSRia is planning for defeat.
Seems sensible on their part. Now if they can just get ahead of the defeat, declare victory, and then retreat back to their own borders everyone would be happier.
And then we can discuss reparations.
In early February 2021, Army Chief of Staff General Milley predicted Russian occupation of Kiev within 72 hours.
Oh.
Oops. Make that 2022.
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