For the Russian government, the fact that battles for Crimea lie ahead is becoming more and more obvious. This requires a revision of those narratives that were tried to impose from the very beginning of the so-called SMO. The main changes are that the Kremlin began to recognize the subjectivity of Ukraine.
The goals are no longer the same
It was noted previously that the main goal of the SMO is to harm the placement of NATO bases on Ukrainian lands. Now the rhetoric is different. The war is aimed at not destroying Russia.
A gradual change of the main enemy
A year ago, the main enemy was the NATO Alliance. It completely subjugated Kyiv to its will, and the Ukrainian people suffered from the oppression of the West. Kremlin propagandists assured that there are almost no Ukrainians in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; the army consists exclusively of NATO mercenaries. Now Moscow emphasizes that the military are still citizens of Ukraine who protect the interests of the USA and NATO, not their own.
Such a correction can be considered timely because the Crimeans can soon see with their own eyes who exactly is in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This will raise many questions about “solid foreign mercenaries”.
Useless sacrifices
Another new emphasis concerns the fact that Ukraine has become a victim of the policy of the North Atlantic Alliance. This is necessary in order to shift the blame for war crimes to NATO. Moreover, this formulation strengthens the opinion that people must put pressure on Kyiv to start negotiations without the participation of the West in order to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
What is it for?
Experts draw the following conclusions about the change in propaganda rhetoric:
- The Kremlin is not going to give away Crimea peacefully;
- Moscow begins to recognize the subjectivity of Ukraine;
- the Russian government is preparing the basis in case of finding the guilty persons if they lose.
Among the most ridiculous narratives that have spread in Crimea over the past year, there are stories about Russia’s attack on London in the case of NATO’s invasion of the Crimean peninsula.
It cannot be said that this propaganda does not work. A certain percentage of the inhabitants of the peninsula really feel more protected after such statements, especially those who are not inclined to analyze the situation in detail.
