Two cores of Russian network in Ukraine

The Russian subversive network of agents in Ukraine’s public domain is currently promoting several destructive narratives:

• Ukrainian authorities are illegitimate.
• Elections must be held as soon as possible.
• The war must be stopped at all costs, even if it requires concessions.
• Undermining the authority of historical figures, which sustain modern Ukrainian national identity, such as Stepan Bandera.
• Discrediting well-known public experts and intellectuals with strong anti-Russian positions, such as the ongoing attacks on Vitaliy Portnikov.

Two cores of this network operate in Ukraine. One is openly pro-Russian, while the other consists of individuals previously known for their generally proper positions. However, this should not be confusing. Russians know how to play the long game.

"This is a special category of agents. Before acting as intended, they must gain recognition and authority. This process takes years, sometimes decades. Some are engaged sooner, while others are reserved for later."

In addition to individuals operating within Ukraine, another core has formed in exile in Vienna, led by the scoundrel Kostiantyn Bondarenko. I read somewhere that this subversive activity in Vienna is funded by Novinskyi. They essentially push the same narratives. Yesterday, I noticed that members of Bondarenko’s group in Vienna are amplifying materials from network representatives in Ukraine.

I am deliberately not naming names to avoid distracting from the main point: the destructive narratives and messages spread by the network. Names don’t matter. Among them are both more and less well-known individuals, but they are all doing the same harmful work. They aim to disarm us and sow internal discord.

Let us hold the line. The enemy is employing almost everything it has. Russian resources are not limitless. Russians are eager to pressure us in the coming months, fearing their inability to continue the war.

Source

About the author: Mykhailo Basarab, political scientist.

The editorial team does not always share the views expressed by blog authors.