In the ongoing battle against Kremlin propaganda, Ukraine has found some unexpected allies – Russian propagandists themselves. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recently took to Twitter to shed light on a startling revelation: attempting to explain the situation from their own perspective proved futile when compared to the narrative spun by Russian propagandists. This astonishing admission underscores the potency of the information war currently unfolding.
Russian Milbloggers: Unwitting Truth-Bearers
A dive into the world of Russian milbloggers reveals a startlingly candid view of the situation on the ground. These milbloggers, often with pseudonyms like “13th,” “Romanov,” and “Airborne Forces for Teplinsky,” provide a rare glimpse into the candid conversations occurring within Moscow’s military ranks.
The Bleak Realities
One milblogger, known as “13th,” starkly articulates the apprehensions lurking within the Russian military: “Does anyone out there have enough balls to start telling the truth to higher management?” His words resonate with the palpable sense of fear and disillusionment among Russian soldiers.
“Romanov,” another milblogger, adds to the grim picture, describing the harrowing developments in the Kherson region as enemy forces deploy boats along the Dnieper River. The desperation in his words is undeniable.
The testimonies are chilling. “Our guys are being cut to pieces on the island,” reveals Romanov, highlighting the bravery of soldiers attempting to evacuate their comrades while commanders fear reporting the dire situation to higher-ups.
The Erosion of Confidence
A common thread among these milbloggers is the erosion of confidence in Russia’s leadership. “13th” bemoans the deafening silence of the country’s leadership, predicting that things will only get worse. This sentiment resonates as a pervasive undercurrent within the Russian military.
The Grim Reality of Self-Censorship
While the examples we’ve highlighted are from August, the disquieting truth extends to more recent events. Milbloggers like “Airborne Forces for Teplinsky” openly question the actions of Russian commanders and the handling of critical situations. These revelations exemplify the grim reality of self-censorship among Russian soldiers.
The Unreported Truth
Alarming reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) corroborate the fact that milbloggers only share a fraction of the information they possess. Communication issues, drone failures, personnel grievances, and more persist within the Russian ranks, hidden from the public eye. Commanders routinely suppress complaints and evade efforts to rectify these problems.
The Art of Silence
One milblogger aptly states, “The ability to remain silent at the right moment is a good quality for everyone.” This deliberate silence underscores the sophistication of Russia’s propaganda machinery, where truth is selectively withheld to control the narrative.
Intercepted Calls: Unmasking the Unvarnished Reality
Beyond milbloggers, intercepted phone calls offer an even more unvarnished glimpse into the grim reality facing Russian troops. These candid conversations lay bare the fears, losses, and confusion among Russian soldiers.
Fears of a ‘Huge’ Ukrainian Force
Russian soldiers express fears about a formidable “Ukrainian Crimea Liberation Force,” with one ominous call mentioning, “150,000 Men Will Be Thrown In.”
Horrific Losses and Friendly Fire
Other calls reveal horrifying losses, including friendly fire incidents, with one stating, “We Lost 600 Men.” These intercepted conversations paint a gruesome picture of the battlefield.
Uncertainty and Prolonged Warfare
The intercepted calls also shed light on the uncertainty and expected duration of the conflict. Some suggest the war could persist until 2026, a bleak prospect for Russian soldiers.
Conclusion: The Power of Unveiling Truth
As Ukraine unveils these startling revelations from Russian propagandists and intercepted calls, the information war takes on a new dimension. These unfiltered insights serve as a stark reminder of the human cost and internal discord within the Russian military machine. The power of truth, even when obscured, continues to shape the narrative in this ongoing battle for hearts and minds.
