Kremlin propaganda downplays Ukrainian presence in Kursk region

The Kremlin has initiated a complex propaganda campaign to downplay the presence of Ukrainians in the Kursk region, according to analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government officials are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.

According to ISW experts, Russian propaganda is trying to convince Russians that maintaining the initiative on the front in eastern Ukraine is more important than the quick expulsion of Ukrainians from the Kursk region.

Propaganda significantly downplays the presence of foreign troops on Russian territory, even portraying it as the "new norm." The Kremlin aims to convince its citizens that the army will reclaim the occupied territories right after the "inevitable" defeat of Ukraine in Donbas.

Ukrainian advances near Kursk are depicted as "limited," while Russian actions in eastern Ukraine are hailed as "a great victory."

Additionally, to minimize panic in the region, the Kremlin decided not to cancel the September gubernatorial elections in the Kursk region.

The Ukrainian army's attack on the Kursk region started on August 6. "The territory in the Kursk region of Russia, which was captured by Ukrainian forces, has increased to 488 square miles, and the number of towns controlled by us to 93," stated Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Tuesday.

Due to the Ukrainian offensive, more than 122,000 residents were forced to evacuate from the Kursk region.