Russian propaganda aims to share fake stories and mix them into the news in Ukraine and the West.
Story 1: They will exaggerate the number of losses in the Avdiivka area, saying Ukraine's Defense Forces are suffering terrible casualties. They'll claim that even the wounded are being sent back into battle and that only elderly soldiers remain. They'll say no one can use the Western equipment supplied by partner countries because “everyone is dead.”
Story 2: They'll say Avdiivka is "surrounded" by Russian forces. They'll report every day that Avdiivka is completely cut off, using words like "cauldron" more and more. They'll often link this story with the one about heavy losses.
Story 3: They'll say Ukrainian forces are fleeing Avdiivka in chaos. They'll spread false information that soldiers are running away from the city, sometimes against orders from their commanders, disobeying orders, and abandoning their posts without permission.
Story 4: They'll claim that The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, are in a tough confrontation and mutual dislike because of Avdiivka. This lie has been around since February 2022, but now they will rejuvenate it and make it sound more believable.
They'll use these fake stories through websites with dubious information and through media, especially in comments and interviews with supposed reliable but unnamed sources.
For example, they might have someone who says they're a soldier or commander near Avdiivka talking about "huge losses." Someone from Ukraine's President's Office might talk anonymously about a "conflict" between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi. A person from Avdiivka who wants to stay anonymous might speak about the "encirclement."
Russian "experts" from foreign sources will also be used a lot. Many of these experts have already said crazy things in the past, but they will make it seem like their comments on the Avdiivka situation are a huge deal.
Remember, the situation in Avdiivka is really tough. It has been under constant threat since 2014. But we need to be smart and not fall for Russian lies. We should trust only official, confirmed information.
Russian propaganda is now working hard to make Avdiivka seem like the next big crisis after Bakhmut.
To stay informed, think critically, check your sources, and always compare what you hear with official statements and trusted news outlets. This is how we can win not only in the battle for information but also in the real world.
About the author. Oleksandr Kovalenko, Ukrainian journalist
The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.