The Russian military leadership is trying to convince Western countries of its successes on the front by providing false information. This is evidenced by the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which indicates that the Kremlin has launched an information campaign to influence decisions in the West.
Gerasimov's false statements: real figures
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Valery Gerasimov, stated in his statement that Russian troops captured 3500 km² of territory and 149 settlements. However, the ISW analysis shows that the real figures are much more modest: only 2346 km² and 130 settlements. It also turned out that Gerasimov significantly inflated the achievements of his troops by citing more land and cities.
According to the report, the Russian army has suffered significant losses in the medium- and long-term, which may undermine its successes. Tens of thousands of servicemen have been killed, and the slow advance does not meet modern warfare standards. The Kremlin is trying to create the impression of inevitable victory by publishing exaggerated information about territorial gains without taking losses into account.