[Discussion] Russia Leveraging Propaganda to Blame Ukraine, ISW Warns

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Russia Employing Propaganda to Shift War Blame to Ukraine, Warns ISW

Russian authorities have been utilizing propaganda narratives to justify the continuation of the current conflict and to undermine ongoing peace discussion, according to a report released by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on March 21.

The ISW has highlighted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's assertion that the denial of involvement by Ukraine in the fire at the Sudzha gas distribution station was intended to harm Kyiv's credibility. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of violating an agreement on strikes against energy infrastructures still in negotiation. Zakharova further indicates that the U.S. bears the responsibility to control Ukraine's actions.

With these statements, the Kremlin successfully redirects the narrative portraying Ukraine as the transgressor in the ongoing conflict.

The narrative was further supported by the accusations made by Russian officials against Ukrainian forces, claiming they targeted Russian nuclear power facilities and committed war crimes against Russian citizens. Furthermore, an account of current investigations into Ukrainian offenses against the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and civilians in the area was given by Russia’s Investigative Committee on March 21.

Neutral Figure Parrots Russian Propaganda Claims

U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, emerged as a leading figure in the ongoing peace discussions between Russia and the U.S. In a significant development, Witkoff appeared to overtly repeat several of Russia's propaganda claims during an interview with American far-right political commentator Tucker Carlson on March 21.

Witkoff's acceptance of Moscow's claims creates further uncertainty as to whether Ukraine can achieve a ceasefire that aligns with its terms.

One of Witkoff's statements acknowledges the overwhelming desire of residents in Russia-occupied regions of Ukraine to live under Russian rule. This statement ignores the circumstances surrounding the forced referenda conducted by Russia in occupied parts of Ukraine.

UK Intelligence Labels Putin's Decree as Ushering in Russification of Ukrainians

In other developments, British intelligence has classified a recent decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as heralding a new phase of the Russification policy in unlawfully occupied regions of Ukraine.

The decree demands Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia to obtain Russian documents to leave by September 10.

According to the UK intelligence assessment, Putin's decree is a clear ploy to force out Ukrainian nationals from Russian-occupied territories who refuse to accept Russian citizenship.

Most importantly, the decree substantiates the accusation against Russia of trying to systematically wipe out Ukrainian culture, identity, and statehood in the occupied territories by forcing the adoption of Russian culture and citizenship. This charge is especially relevant in light of the open adoption of Russian propaganda by key figures such as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in recent interviews.

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