Ukrainian intelligence obtain documents from FSB, detailing reasons for Russian propaganda failures
ssu.gov.ua • Jun 7, 2022
Summary
A document from the FSB, which has been published by Ukrainian intelligence, shows that Russia's propaganda and information operations are constricted and have problems. The recommendations reveal that the occupied territories don't want to be ruled by Russia. FSB suggests that all Ukrainian shows should be cut off and replaced with Russian propaganda that says, "We are fighting for you, and then we will give these territories back to you."
The pre-prepared victory article that was accidentally published three days after the war reads like an imperialist manifesto and discredits any claims of fighting for Ukraine or the desire to return it to the Ukrainians.
The problems outlined by FSB include:
- Lack of clear justification for the war or the idea that the war could have been avoided, and the evidence to support "denazification" as a goal is thin and unconvincing.
- The inability of Russia to reach a wider audience with its narratives that cast the "special operation" in a positive light, especially within Ukraine.
- Ukrainians’ widespread distrust of Russian media and a lack of new "talent" in the space, meaning many creating and "reporting" stories for the Kremlin are known entities like Patrick Lancaster.
- Statements by well-known business owners, scientists, and influencers, against the "special operation," create the impression that the Russian elite has split, destabilizing the country.
- Comparing headlines from Russia to those of other countries creates the impression there is a near-total absence of support for Russia.
- Inability to create a vision of what victory looks like, its benefits, and a positive post-war future for liberated territories.
To improve public perception, FSB text recommends putting out more content showing:
- Russian heroes depicted as liberators
- Rescue of animals (Russian treatment of animals has been notoriously inhumane. View the citation linked with extreme caution)
- The reunification of divorced families (Russia has forcibly transferred over 1 million Ukrainians--at least 254,000 children according to TASS--into Russian concentration camp-like establishments).
Documents
The following are images of the report.
Source
The Security Services of Ukraine focus “on counterintelligence countermeasures against threats to state security, cyber security, the fight against terrorism, protection of state secrets, etc.” This entity is part of the Ukrainian state.