Russia's ballistic missile strike on Ukraine aimed at information warfare, not military

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko expressed this opinion on his Telegram channel.

On November 21, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) accompanied by a large-scale psychological operation (PSYOP) aimed at spreading panic among Ukrainians and exaggerating the perceived threat. 

Three key stages of the PSYOP:

1. Mixed messaging. Russian propaganda media adopted contrasting approaches. Some ignored the missile strike entirely, while others amplified it with conflicting narratives about the type of missile used and the target hit, creating confusion.

2. Manipulative statements: During a press conference, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova's staged phone call subtly introduced the idea that discussing the missile's specifics was inappropriate. This performance, meant to mystify the strike and heighten psychological tension, infiltrated Ukrainian information channels. By vaguely referring to the missile as "ballistic," it sought to downplay its significance among experts. While the video spread widely, its impact was diminished as it was dismissed as a propaganda stunt.

3. Simulated launch and narrative shift: A daytime missile launch simulation aimed to provoke fear but had limited success due to Ukraine's preparedness and expert explanations mitigating public anxiety. By evening, Russian media shifted their narrative, labeling the missile as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) rather than an ICBM to minimize international scrutiny.

This operation involved extensive information warfare alongside military action. President Vladimir Putin's remarks highlighted the strike as a demonstration of advanced missile capabilities, targeting three key audiences:

• Domestic: Showcasing Russia's technological advancements.
• Ukrainian: Instilling fear and signaling ongoing escalation.
• Western: Emphasizing Russia's missile developments to influence global perception, as evidenced by international media reports.

The combined military strike and multi-layered PSYOP underscore Russia's focus on controlling the narrative to achieve its strategic goals.