Russia is expected to conduct a new information-psychological operation targeting Ukraine in the context of the ongoing battles in the Kursk region. The objective is to falsely accuse Ukrainian soldiers of war crimes.
This warning was issued by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Center for Countering Disinformation via Telegram.
According to the SSU, Russian intelligence services are attempting to exploit the situation in the Kursk region to make unfounded accusations against Ukrainian defenders, alleging war crimes.
This tactic is linked to the inability of the Russian forces to effectively counter the Ukrainian forces' offensive actions.
"In the near future, Russian intelligence services may stage crimes, including against civilians in the Kursk region, in order to then blame these acts on the Ukrainian side," the SSU noted.
The SSU added that such attempts would not affect either the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operations or the international community's perception of Ukraine. The defense forces have already demonstrated their adherence to the laws and customs of warfare.
Additionally, Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, specified that Russians are currently spreading fake news about alleged murders of civilians by Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, looting, and other false claims.
"Russian propaganda will make considerable efforts to create scenes of supposed war crimes in Sudzha and other areas of the Kursk region using fake reports," he said.
According to Kovalenko, the Russians may attempt to stage or commit crimes in the Kursk region similar to those they have committed in the occupied territories of Ukraine, aiming to blame Ukrainians.
"Russian intelligence services are planning provocations involving civilians being disguised in Ukrainian Armed Forces uniforms by their own agents," Kovalenko added.
Additionally, for nuclear blackmail, the Russians might use the proximity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant to the combat zone. They may organize provocations on the station's territory similar to those at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
