Russian propaganda blames the army for panic after the Ukrainian attack

In Russia, turmoil has resulted from an attack by the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region. The issue was even addressed on Russian state television. Vladimir Solovyov—a leading Kremlin propagandist—stated that after the Ukrainian attack, "panic" ensued among Russians. He listed those responsible. However, Putin was not on the list.

Much of the information shared by Russian media or government officials is part of propaganda. Such reports form part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.

Solovyov discussed the Ukrainian attack in his programme broadcast on Rossiya 1 TV, where he commented on current events along with other propagandists.

The Kremlin's favourite demanded punishment for those responsible for the entry of the Ukrainian army into Russian territory. "There were signals that something was being prepared. Somewhere, someone didn't perform. Specialists will clarify this. A border audit is needed," he said.

He further admitted that panic ensued in Russian society. At the same time, he accused the media and military bloggers of "spreading panic". "Whoever spreads panic is a traitor," he thundered.

However, the list of those responsible ends there. Solovyov praised the Russian authorities for building fortifications. He called their reaction "exemplary". He reminded that residents of the Kursk region forced to leave their homes would receive 10,000 rubles in compensation. However, he did not mention that this amount is less than symbolic, even by Russian standards.

The Ukrainian army entered the borders of the Kursk region on Tuesday. According to the latest reports, Ukrainians control 28 settlements in this region where about 2,000 people live.

It is estimated that Ukrainian forces entered approximately 40 kilometres into Russian territory in some places, occupying a strip about 10 kilometres wide.

More than 76,000 people have already been evacuated from the Kursk region.