"Offensive in Kursk region was mistake, Ukraine heading for defeat": foreign manipulations

According to the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, disinformation and manipulations were published on September 4. 

Disinformation: American economist Jeffrey Sachs said: ‘The offensive in the Kursk region was a mistake for Ukraine, as it weakened its defense lines in Donbas. It will not work. Ukraine is heading for defeat on the battlefield, both near Kursk and in the Donbas.’ 

Rebuttal: Sachs' claim that Ukraine is heading for defeat has no real evidence and is part of psychological warfare. This statement is aimed at demoralizing the Ukrainian population and international partners, which is a typical feature of Kremlin propaganda. Sachs is not a military expert, so his words have no professional weight in the context of analyzing military operations. It is a typical propaganda tactic to use authorities from non-core areas to support favorable narratives.

Manipulation: Irish journalist Chay Bowes, commenting on Putin's visit to Mongolia, wrote on his X page: ‘Mongolia has unapologetically told the Western Powers that it puts the welfare of its people before the Political demands of Washigton, Brussels and London. Maybe EU leaders should consider doing the same and put their people first.’ 

Rebuttal: Chay Bowes is using the Russian dictator's visit to Mongolia as a pretext to criticize Western powers, trying to portray them as ignoring the interests of their own citizens. However, EU assistance to Ukraine contributes to strengthening security in Europe, which directly affects the protection of the interests of EU citizens. Supporting Ukraine is not only a political decision, but also a long-term investment in peace and stability in the region.

• On September 3, Russian Telegram channels launched fake information about the search for armed maniacal prisoners who signed a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and escaped.