Putin and propagandists promote new pretext for strikes on Ukraine

Russia is trying to use the Starobilsk issue as an explanation for new strikes on Ukraine. For several days, Kremlin propaganda has been actively promoting the narrative of alleged “retribution” for the events in the occupied city.

This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.

The department noted that Russian propagandists, officials, and Vladimir Putin himself are increasingly mentioning Starobilsk in their statements. They talk about Ukraine’s alleged “crime” and promise a response.

The Central Military District emphasizes that in reality the Ukrainian Defense Forces only struck military targets. However, the Russian side turned this story into another informational pretext.

According to the Center, not only propaganda media, but also Russian officials, diplomats, and state structures participated in the spread of this version.

The Center believes that in this way the Kremlin is trying to convince its own audience and the world that further strikes on Ukraine are supposedly “the answer.” In reality, the Center notes, Russia is using this topic to justify continuing the war and attacks on Ukrainian cities.