Russia exaggerates its successes on the front: ISW reveals real data about occupied territories

According to glavcom.ua: Russia fabricates claims that it controls larger territories in Ukraine than it actually does. According to the Institute for the Study of War, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported it seized 4714 square kilometers of territory or 205 populated areas of Ukraine. But in reality, Russian forces control less - about 3434 square kilometers.

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War indicate that such exaggeration of combat results is used by the Kremlin to support the propaganda narrative of 'inevitable victory' and to try to convince the West of achieving military objectives.

The Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence notes that the Russian Federation employs a tactic of demonstrating control over many populated areas before negotiations, even if this does not reflect reality. They send 'flag bearers' with only one goal - to hold onto a populated area, raise a flag, and take a photo.

Russian disinformation on the front

A representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine criticized a video from the Russian General Staff, where Odesa and Mykolaiv regions are marked as Russian territory, calling it an example of an informational campaign and a performative gesture.

The Kremlin seeks to create the impression of broad achievements on the front in Ukraine, but in fact controls a smaller territory than is true, using this to manipulate information and create a propaganda image of a victor.