The Russians want to create panic in Kharkiv and Sumy to influence local residents. They also aim to use this situation to push for negotiations.
This was reported by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, during a national telethon broadcast.
"The main story of Russian propaganda right now is the attempt to create panic in Kharkiv and Sumy, convincing people that these limited actions in the border areas of Kharkiv region are the beginning of an offensive on Kharkiv," he said.
According to him, they have been trying to incite panic for several months.
"Panic in Kharkiv and Sumy would allow the enemy to further promote the topic of negotiations and peace on Russian terms. Putin's statements that he is ready for negotiations, but Russian troops should not leave the occupied territories, are meant to scare Ukrainians," Kovalenko explained.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation also stated that everything will revolve around creating panic and presenting limited actions in the border areas as preparation for an offensive.
Recently, Russian forces began advancing in the northern part of Kharkiv region and captured several villages. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are holding back the Russia's pressure.
