Russians are losing interest in Ukraine war - military intelligence

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry reports.

"Information about the hostilities broadcast by domestic propaganda is increasingly causing fatigue and discontent among the Russian population, rather than enthusiasm and excitement, as it was at the beginning of the invasion," the intelligence report says.

It is noted that one of the reasons for such changes is the discrepancy between the information disseminated and the real situation. Currently, it is difficult for the Russian leadership to conceal the level of losses during the war, and the resources for combat operations are running out, as evidenced, in particular, by Russia's active preparations for a record tax increase in its history.

For example, according to the Kremlin's plan, under the guise of a "progressive personal income tax scale," budget contributions will increase for Russians earning more than $2,200 a month. The income tax rate will increase from 20% to 25%.

According to the Ukrainian intelligence, the disappointing dynamics of public sentiment monitored by the Kremlin is forcing the Russian military and political leadership to prepare the population to 'tighten their belts'. Regional representatives of Putin's regime are already trying to shift the focus of attention from irritating military issues to the rapid resolution of social and domestic problems.

• After the Russian missile attack on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital on July 8, a pilot of the 22nd Heavy Bombardment Aviation Division contacted the chatbot of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and provided classified documents about the activities of his military unit, including personal data on 30 commanders.