Introduction
The Ukrainian army’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region caught many by surprise, including Russian authorities and media. The conflicting narratives surrounding the event highlight the lack of preparedness and coordination on the Russian side. We delved into the Russian social media landscape to analyze the response to the incursion, focusing on key topics such as mobilization, sentiment towards the war with Ukraine, and the incursion itself.
Executive Summary
The incursion triggered a 196% increase in discussions about the war online, with over 470,000 documents collected from various sources. Russian propaganda narratives were notably uncoordinated, reflecting citizens’ growing concerns about the conflict. The sentiment towards the war hit a low point, with fears of a new wave of mobilization. Russian leadership’s response further underscored these worries.
Main narratives about the incursion
Pro-Kremlin media, war correspondents, and the general population offered varied perspectives on the incursion, with themes ranging from blaming NATO for the operation to highlighting civilian casualties. Local officials and regional outlets emphasized civilian safety and combat updates.
Conclusions
The incursion has sparked widespread anxiety and doubts, reshaping Russian attitudes towards the war with Ukraine. While the government downplays the events, citizens express concern over the state’s ability to defend its territory. The long-term implications remain uncertain.
Author: OpenMinds
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