Ukraine's military vs DeepState: A battle for narrative control
The Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrski, wants to shut down the DeepState analytical project, claims Ukrainian Deputy Mariana Bezhukha. Analysts have created an interactive map showing the situation on the front lines, which recently has not been favourable for Ukraine.
The DeepState project is an interactive map depicting military operations in Ukraine. It allows tracking changes along the front line. The project was launched in 2020 with the aim of reporting conflicts worldwide, but since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, the map has been entirely dedicated to the conflict in Ukraine.
For a long time, the project was an important source of information for analysts and journalists worldwide. Ukrainian authorities also seemed to value the project. For example, the Ministry of Defence's information agency conducted interviews with its creators. The team was also involved in fundraisers for the Ukrainian military and soldiers.
Commentators have noted that in recent days, DeepState has gone silent. Since 21 December, there have been no updates. According to some, this could indicate serious troubles for Ukrainians on the front line, but the truth seems to be more complicated.
Deputy: Syrski wants to destroy DeepState
According to Supreme Council Deputy Mariana Bezhukha (formerly of Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party until 2024, from which she later departed), DeepState administrators are being targeted by the Ukrainian army.
"Syrskyi, instead of stabilizing the defense, has launched an offensive against the DeepState team — the last bastion of more or less adequate information about the front line," she wrote on social media.
According to her, the army's action plan includes conscripting the DeepState team into the military. "No people, no problem" wrote Bezhukha.
According to the deputy, the military might also want the Security Service of Ukraine and law enforcement agencies to start checking the analysts for "disclosure of information." It's possible that the army will also discredit the project and ultimately shut it down.
"We have all known DeepState since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Every day, it remains one of the few sources to understand what is happening, both for civilians and even for the military. The attack of the "old-timers" on the project is yet another dimension of their complete backwardness and evidence that we have truly become hostages of Soviet-style @#&%." Bezhukha argues.
She also called for support for the Ukrainian OSINT community, so that the generals will "choke on their actions."
She addressed Zelensky as well. "Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, where are we headed?" she asked.
DeepState: not all commanders like the truth
The information from the deputy seems to be confirmed by DeepState administrators themselves, who published a post online.
"We have always worked hard to contribute to our soldiers' and our country's victory. Therefore, we enjoy a strong reputation and valuable trust among the public, and most importantly, among the military. That's why we have the most recognized map of the Russian-Ukrainian war in Ukraine and worldwide," the analysts wrote.
"But unfortunately, not all chief commanders like the truth, which is a pity," they added.
The analysts expressed gratitude for the support they receive. They assured people that they are "not giving up." "Lies will destroy us all," they emphasised.
