According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin is actively shaping and reinforcing rhetoric that may indicate an intention to prolong the military conflict with NATO and prepare society for long-term fighting

Chas Pravdy - 21 April 2025 02:14

The analysis suggests that Russian authorities are systematically redefining narratives previously used to justify aggression against Ukraine, aiming to deepen the militarization of the country's civil society and create prerequisites for a possible large-scale war with the West. These efforts appear to be part of a long-term strategy to strengthen military patriotism and solidify the ideological foundation for new escalations. One element of this information campaign is the sharp intensification of nationalist messages and attempts to portray Ukraine as some kind of supra-national aggressor. In particular, the militarization of society is reinforced by a continual conflation of the historical narratives of the Soviet Union with the current rhetoric of the Kremlin. For example, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, at a recent press conference, accused the European Union of fueling a "neo-Nazi ideology" in Europe and stated that Moscow will do everything possible to eradicate it. His words bolster the idea that Russia more than ever seeks to establish the historical truth about victory in the Great Patriotic War to counter the spread of myths and propaganda from the West. Analysts note that in this way, the Kremlin aims not only to reinforce internal unity but also to create a negative image of Western countries in the minds of Russians, thereby increasing support for military steps. Additionally, Vladimir Putin and his inner circle are defining the concept of "denazification" in their statements, linking it to historical roots and interpreting it as a necessity to change the Ukrainian regime and install a pro-Russian government—scenarios used to justify the war. A recent statement by Putin confirms this tactic once again, as he accused Ukraine of controlling "neo-Nazi elements" and emphasized the need to defeat them as part of the "eternal struggle against Nazism." Experts see this as a classic example of using historical myths to fuel internal patriotism and legitimize military actions. At the same time, the Kremlin increasingly employs the same tactics as in the past—accusing neighboring countries, including Finland, Estonia, and Moldova, of attempting to control and openly interference in their independence. All these measures are aimed at preparing public opinion and creating an informational environment for a possible new wave of aggression at the international level. Another important aspect of this information campaign is the Kremlin's proposal to the Ukrainian side for a short-term "Easter ceasefire." However, estimates from the Ukrainian Armed Forces and analysts suggest that any agreements must be completely transparent, officially agreed upon, and include strict monitoring mechanisms, as currently such proposals are mostly a cover for force restoration and preparation for subsequent strikes. Ukrainian military and government circles continue to emphasize systemic violations of the rights of religious communities by Russian occupants in occupied territories, particularly efforts to persecute Christian churches. At the same time, Ukraine urges the international community to remain vigilant regarding Kremlin attempts to strengthen expansionist intentions through informational provocations and military actions. Regarding the situation on the battlefield, Russian forces made some advances in the Kursk region and near Toretsk before the announced Easter ceasefire. However, despite formal ceasefire announcements, hostilities continue, and Ukrainian defenders stress the importance of caution to avoid traps and maintain control over the situation. Thus, in conditions where the Kremlin seeks to prolong the conflict and foster ultra-patriotic sentiments within its own society, one of the key tools remains information warfare and the continual reinterpretation of historical narratives to justify its ambitions and strengthen its position on the international stage.

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