"No source of objective information": Zaporizhzhia official on Russian propaganda in occupied region

He said it in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

Fedorov highlighted the intensified mobilization measures, forced conscription of Ukrainians into the Russian army, and the push for Russian passports in these areas.

"So, why are they ramping up mobilization, apart from the obvious reason? To avoid dissonance in Russian society. Propaganda claims Russians are liberating, not capturing territory, so locals should be grateful. If they are grateful, they should fight for Russia, right? To liberate more areas. Mobilization happens everywhere but in occupied regions, so they intensify it here," Fedorov explained.

He warned that Russia will continue using local people as cannon fodder, urging residents to leave the occupied territories while possible.

Despite the challenges, Fedorov emphasized that people still have a chance to leave the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.

"Communication with residents under occupation is very difficult. People can't visit relatives in occupied areas because entry is only through Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, with constant filtering. Only 10% get through. Counter-intelligence measures are tight, and they won't let in anyone they aren't 100% sure about," Fedorov said.

He compared life in the occupied territory to a military base where Russia imposes its rules.

Regarding Russian propaganda in the occupied territories, Fedorov mentioned that it's not about increasing it anymore; the Russians broadcast it in an "endless stream."

"There's nowhere to get objective information. So, you have to search for it. Propaganda is everywhere, and finding objective information is a constant struggle. Human psychology tends to believe easily accessible information over what requires effort to obtain. This isn't a flaw, it's just how we think," he emphasized.

He also noted that people's moods in the occupied areas are shifting, with most growing more despondent. According to him, some have lost hope that their cities will be liberated.

"But should that change our resolve for liberation? Absolutely not. Did the enemy consider our feelings when they invaded? No. So if anyone starts saying 'we've already accepted it,' it doesn't change anything. I don't care who has given up; this is my home. We must be united in every way around our state and our military," Fedorov stressed.

• Recently, Askad Ashurbekov, a member of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, mentioned that men over 60 are being mobilized in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.