Russia intensifies narratives about ‘split’ between military and political leadership of Ukraine

Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation reports.

‘Russian propaganda resources have intensified disinformation about alleged conflicts between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. Various conspiracy narratives are being spread, alleging that Syrskyi was ‘secretly preparing’ an operation in Kursk region, which is why he is now being ‘forced out’ by the political leadership,’ writes the Center.

At the same time, the Russians are also spreading fake narratives about the ‘political ambitions’ of the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov. The Russians are using the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko to voice their arguments.

Conspiracy theories are also circulating online that Ukraine has disrupted the possibility of negotiations with the operation in Kursk region, and that the West is allegedly ‘looking for a replacement for Zelenskyy’.

‘All of these fakes are part of the enemy's disinformation campaign. However, conspiracy theories have nothing to do with reality. Do not succumb to the enemy's manipulations,' the Centre stressed.

• Canadian journalist Aaron Maté spread a fake that NATO rewards Ukraine with arms supplies for avoiding diplomacy.