The closer Crimea liberation is, the more Russian information and psychological operations emerge

The Pentagon is planning large-scale training of the Ukrainian army so the winter does not go to waste and Ukraine is prepared for difficult battles to recapture Crimea and eastern part of the country.

Among other things, they are training to transpose the miracles the Ukrainian army managed to do in small groups onto large units. And to efficiently use the available equipment to hit an enemy who exceeds in number.

We, on the other hand, should not waste time and prepare ourselves and those around us for this difficult period that awaits us.

We are ready for anything, you may say. We have lived through much worse.

It would be nice if it were so. However, I am critical regarding such an approach.

Because at least from my "barricade" I can see that we are still making mistakes and getting influenced by the Kremlin and Beijin’s information operations.

The closer the liberation of Crimea is, the more there will be such operations.

The time filled with Kremlin disinformation awaits us ahead.

The time of heavy battles on the diplomatic and information front line.

The time when our partners and enemies will fight for the control over minds of millions of people on different continents.

When anything that the hands of dictators can reach will be at risk.

“A time filled with Kremlin disinformation awaits us ahead. The time of heavy battles on the diplomatic and information front line. The time when our partners and enemies will fight for the control over minds of millions of people on different continents.”

Because for them, losing Crimea is losing the Black Sea, dominance in the Mediterranean Sea, influence on the Middle East, and a significant weakening of the position in Africa.

It is difficult to exaggerate the geopolitical value of Crimea in the coming decade.

So if we want to win, we must use these months, among other things, to learn to be resilient to  information warfare.

Finally, give up listening to “good” Russian experts, reading anonymous Telegram channels and all the sources that spread the narrative that the West is evil and we should develop trade with Beijing.

Give up those who continue promoting the “treason” agenda.

Those who systematically make predictions that do not come true.

Those who complain Ukraine gets too little aid.

That Ukraine does not receive enough attention.

“If we want to win, we must use these months, among other things, to learn to be resilient to information warfare.”

That too much is being required of us.

Give up anything that brings anti-Western narratives into your life.

If we want to win this battle, we have to unite.

Act as a team.

To trust, because a team cannot win without trusting each other.

And without a team, without alliances, no one can win this difficult battle.

These cold winter months are the time to learn this.

About the author: Ahia Zahrebelska, Ukrainian lawyer, state representative of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (2015–2019).

Editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.