Summary of the day: Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian and Russian military leaders focused on strategic narratives and troop deployments. Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov emphasized Russia’s tactical push to engage Ukrainian forces in defensive operations, aimed at draining Ukraine’s manpower and thwarting any potential counteroffensives. In contrast, Russian Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky used the 94th anniversary of the Russian Airborne Forces to praise their efforts in Ukraine, despite their operational challenges. Additionally, internal measures in Russia included the arrest of a former military officer and legislative actions to tighten discipline among troops and control over the information space. On the ground, Russian forces recorded advancements in the Toretsk, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City areas, as Kremlin officials visited occupied regions to assert Russian integration efforts.
Picture of the day:
Ukrainian soldiers of the ‘Da Vinci Wolves’ battalion prepare a mortar in the direction of Pokrovsk, Ukraine. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)
What Can I Do To Help Ukraine? This is a question I receive all the time. We at Transform Ukraine are building longer-term housing for internally displaced Ukrainians. Visit Rebuild Ukraine for how you can assist in housing a Ukrainian family displaced by the war.
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Former President Donald Trump has requested detailed disclosures on the recent prisoner exchange involving Russia, the US, and other nations, questioning the terms and accusing the US of possibly making financial concessions. Trump critiqued the current administration’s negotiating tactics, contrasting them with his own approach of securing the release of hostages without payments. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan clarified that no money was exchanged in the deal. The exchange, termed the largest since World War II, saw 16 Western hostages swapped for 10 Russians in Turkey, facilitated by Turkey’s intelligence agency. Trump’s skepticism reflects ongoing criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of detained Americans in Russia.
The European Commission has dismissed Hungary and Slovakia’s requests for consultations over Ukraine’s sanctions against the transit of Lukoil’s crude oil, indicating no immediate supply risks for these countries. This decision comes despite the sanctions not affecting other trading companies’ operations through the Druzhba pipeline. EU officials and Ukraine assert that these measures comply with their association agreement and do not threaten regional energy security. Meanwhile, disputes escalate as Slovakia threatens to cut diesel supplies to Ukraine, and Hungary vows to block significant EU funding until transit issues are resolved.
The Moldovan Victory electoral bloc announced Vasile Bolea as its candidate for the October 2024 presidential election. Bolea, a Moldovan parliament member since 2014, will focus his campaign on strengthening ties with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union, promoting traditional values and Eastern Orthodoxy. His platform contrasts with other pro-Russian candidates by emphasizing closer relationships outside the European Union. This nomination reflects ongoing divisions within Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition, potentially impacting broader geopolitical alignments.
A Kremlin-affiliated milblogger voiced concerns over diminishing Russian influence in Central Asia and the Caucasus, blaming American initiatives for swaying these regions. The blogger particularly highlighted the declining impact of Russian “Slavic” universities in Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, arguing that this trend is fostering “Russophobic” attitudes there.
Slovenia began receiving natural gas from Azerbaijan on August 1, reducing its dependence on Russian gas. In 2020, 81% of Slovenia’s natural gas was imported from Russia. The new supply route is part of a broader European effort to diversify energy sources following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This shift is supported by a recent agreement between Slovenia’s largest natural gas company, Geoplin, and Azerbaijan’s state-owned SOCAR, aiming to enhance their long-term energy partnership. Despite these diversification efforts, Russian gas still plays a significant role in Europe’s energy landscape, with some countries like Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia remaining heavily reliant on Russian supplies.
The EU is evaluating the suspension of financial assistance to Georgia following the implementation of its foreign agents law on August 1. This law mandates organizations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. The legislation, passed in May amid local and international criticism, is seen by the EU as a regression in Georgia’s European integration efforts. Consequently, the EU has already halted 30 million euros of military aid through the European Peace Fund. Similarly, the U.S. has postponed military exercises and suspended over $95 million in aid. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, opposing the law, has challenged it in the Constitutional Court, aligning with the stance of Georgia’s largest opposition party, which also seeks legal redress against the law.
Malian rebels claimed they killed 84 mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group and 47 Malian troops during three days of clashes, according to a statement by the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad posted on X. This fighting took place on the outskirts of Tinzawaten village, where the rebels reported destroying a full column of Malian and Russian forces, causing significant casualties and equipment losses. The Malian government confirmed two soldiers were killed and ten injured in related fighting. Russian pro-war Telegram channels reported on the casualties and showed images of the aftermath. These incidents highlight Russia’s extensive involvement in Mali, where it supports the government post-2021 coup through Wagner mercenaries, accused of committing war crimes and contributing to regional instability.
According to a report by Le Monde, Ukrainian special services have been providing information and drone operation training to Tuareg rebels in Mali. The Tuaregs, part of an anti-government coalition in northern Mali, claimed to have successfully targeted Malian army units and Russian mercenaries, including killing 84 Wagner mercenaries in recent clashes. The Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson confirmed their cooperation with Mali rebels, helping them in operations against Russian forces. The presence of Russian mercenaries in Mali, particularly from the Wagner Group, is part of Russia’s broader strategy to influence African nations and support authoritarian regimes.
Negotiations between the West and Russia, starting over two years ago, culminated in a significant prisoner swap on August 1, involving 24 detainees—this was the largest exchange in nearly 15 years. Key figures released by Russia include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. Russia’s demands focused on individuals involved in espionage and cybercrimes. Despite initial proposals to swap American basketball player Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan for high-profile Russians, only Griner was exchanged in December 2022. Subsequent negotiations involved complex deals, including potential exchanges involving German-held Russian prisoners and detained U.S. citizens, but faced setbacks, such as the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Ultimately, a multi-stage exchange was set into motion by late June 2023, leading to the recent swap.
Donald Trump criticized the prisoner swap as a “win for Putin” during a Fox Business interview. Trump described the deal as complex and potentially disadvantageous for the U.S. He acknowledged the return of detainees like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges, which the White House has called “ridiculous.” Trump claimed that under his administration, such a swap involving high-profile prisoners like convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov would not have occurred without concessions. Krasikov, linked to a Kremlin-ordered assassination in Germany, was released as part of the exchange.
The Road To Peace
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that no peace summit involving Russia is currently being planned. He expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s intentions for peace talks, emphasizing a lack of trust. Meanwhile, Ukraine, despite readying for a potential second summit to end the ongoing war, has not sent an official invitation to Russia. Ukrainian officials advocate for a summit before the U.S. presidential election in November 2024, possibly in the Middle East, aiming to demonstrate global solidarity against Russia’s actions. Both sides have accused each other of not being genuinely ready for peace, with Russia dismissing Ukraine’s peace proposals as ultimatums.
China’s six-point peace plan for Ukraine, jointly proposed with Brazil in May, is claimed to be supported by over 110 countries, according to a Beijing official. This plan includes provisions for non-escalation, an international peace conference, increased humanitarian aid, nuclear safety, and enhanced global cooperation but does not address Ukraine’s territorial integrity or the withdrawal of Russian troops. China, maintaining neutrality and denying lethal aid to both sides in the conflict, continues to strengthen ties with Russia. The plan contrasts with Ukrainian President Zelensky’s proposal, which demands the withdrawal of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov reported that Russia’s military actions aim to bind Ukrainian forces in defensive roles, particularly in northern Kharkiv Oblast. This strategy prevents Ukraine from marshaling reserves for potential counteroffensives, thereby maintaining Russian control over the initiative across the frontline.
The Russian Federation Council updated an amendment to allow military commanders to penalize troops for “gross disciplinary offenses,” including misuse of personal electronic devices at the front. However, the use of personal devices for combat tasks, like operating drones, is exempt. This revision came after criticism from Russian milbloggers, who argued that the original amendment did not account for the practical reliance on such devices for command and control in combat scenarios. Enforcement of this policy may prove challenging given the ongoing dependence on personal devices in frontline operations.
The Atesh guerrilla movement reported finding a Russian Buk-M2 anti-aircraft missile system in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, suggesting its use to counter new Western F-16 fighters provided to Ukraine. The system is part of Russia’s response to the increased aerial threats posed by the arrival of these advanced jets. Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted several Russian Buk systems. Western countries have begun delivering F-16s to Ukraine, equipped with sophisticated weaponry, to bolster Ukrainian air capabilities against Russian forces. The Kremlin warned that these aircraft would be targeted and downplayed their impact on the conflict.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed on August 2 that Ukraine is developing a plan to potentially destroy the Kerch Bridge, a critical supply route for the Russian military in occupied Crimea. In an interview, he mentioned that efforts are focused on long-range strikes and emphasized the complexity of the operation. Budanov suggested there is a possibility of achieving this within the next few months. The bridge has already suffered damage from previous Ukrainian strikes and continues to be a target of defensive measures by Russia, including increased protection and traffic restrictions due to security threats. However, the Ukrainian Navy has noted that the bridge’s military utility for Russia has diminished, although future uses cannot be discounted.
Ukrainian forces allegedly targeted Sevastopol, Crimea, with a likely MGM-140 ATACMS missile strike, which the Sevastopol occupation governor reported was intercepted by Russian air defenses, downing over four missiles. Concurrently, an undetonated cluster munition landed on a street in Sevastopol, with neutralization efforts ongoing. Additionally, heat signatures detected near Sevastopol suggest a potential hit on a Russian S-400 air defense battery, although confirmation is pending. Further reports noted explosions across Russian-occupied Crimea, particularly in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Yevpatoria, where Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russia-installed head of Sevastopol, claimed that air defenses downed at least four Ukrainian air targets, including drones and missiles. Despite no casualties being reported, some civilian property damage was noted. Additionally, fire and smoke were observed near military sites in Balaklava and at a naval ship repair plant, with the damage’s full extent under assessment. These incidents are part of continued Ukrainian efforts to target military assets in Crimea, which have also included strikes on a military airfield and a transport ferry.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Clashes occurred around Kharkiv, particularly near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Vovchansk, and Tykhe, with no significant changes to the frontline. Reports indicate heightened activity by Russian forces in Vovchansk, including evacuations and troop rotations.
Russian forces are intensifying their military efforts in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, particularly targeting the settlement of Vovchansk. They are actively engaging Ukrainian defense positions, rotating personnel, and supplying front lines with provisions and ammunition. Ukrainian forces are countering with reinforcements and continue to target Russian military assets. Despite some containment of Russian advances in recent battles, the overall situation in the region remains challenging, with ongoing Russian attempts to penetrate deeper into Ukrainian defenses.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks near Kupyansk and Kreminna in areas like Pishchane, Stelmakhivka, Andriivka, Makiivka, Nevske, and Torske, with no shifts in the frontline reported. A Ukrainian battalion commander noted increased Russian assaults near Makiivka, suggesting recent reinforcements of manpower and materials by Russia in this region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian paratroopers from the 46th Brigade successfully destroyed three Russian “brazier tanks” in the Donetsk region, utilizing drones and artillery. These tanks, modified with welded roofs and used to clear paths for assaults, were part of a group that suffered significant losses. Despite their primitive modifications, these tanks can still pose a threat in combat. The cost of these older T-72 tanks ranges significantly, but they are deemed less effective due to maintenance challenges and operational limitations.
Siversk
Russian forces intensified their offensive near Siversk, targeting areas east, southeast, and south of the city, including Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Dariivka, Vyimka, Spirne, and Pereizne. The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage claiming successful advances near Pereizne.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces conducted offensives near Chasiv Yar, focusing on multiple directions including the Novyi and Zhovtnevyi districts, as well as areas north, east, and southeast of the city. Despite claims of advancements near Klishchiivka by a Russian milblogger, there are no confirmed changes to the frontline.
Toretsk
Russian forces made advancements near Toretsk, specifically in Niu York and Zalizne, while continuing offensives in surrounding areas like Pivnichne and Panteleymonivka. Geolocated footage confirms movements in central Niu York and southwestern Zalizne, with further advancements claimed by Russian milbloggers. Despite reports of a Ukrainian counterattack in Niu York, no wider confirmation exists. Russian forces are reportedly attempting to encircle Ukrainian positions between Niu York and Zalizne, though success is uncertain.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces made advancements northwest of Avdiivka, capturing areas south of Vovche and west of the settlement. Further gains were reported in fields southwest of Timofiivka and Prohres, as well as in Ivanivka and western Zhelanne. Russian troops continued their offensive operations in multiple locations around Avdiivka, including Kalynove and Vozdvyzhenka.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Pokrovsk sector in eastern Ukraine as the site of intense battles, emphasizing its critical role in the defense of eastern Ukraine. He noted that this region is currently facing the harshest conflicts and requires significant military attention. He stressed the need for quicker aid deliveries to bolster the Ukrainian military, which is actively forming new brigades to strengthen front-line defenses and reserves, although these units are not fully equipped yet.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces have reached the O-0532 highway, achieving a tactical goal to disrupt the Ukrainian supply route between Vuhledar and Kostyantynivka, southwest of Donetsk City. Recent advancements include capturing parts of this highway. Despite these gains, the strategic impact remains limited, as Ukrainian forces maintain alternative supply lines to Vuhledar. Russian military efforts in this region continue, marked by intense and costly operations.
Russian forces continued their offensive west and southwest of Donetsk City, making unconfirmed advances south of Pobieda and continuing operations near Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka, and Kostyantynivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Positional battles occurred near Velyka Novosilka at the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border, with unverified claims of Russian advancements near Urozhaine.
Zaporizhia Line
Limited skirmishes took place in western Zaporizhia Oblast near Robotyne, Mala Tokmachka, and Verbove. Claims of Russian forces capturing Ukrainian positions in these areas have not been visually confirmed.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces carried out limited attacks in eastern Kherson Oblast, including near Krynky, without achieving any confirmed territorial gains. Russian troops have reported significant challenges due to widespread Ukrainian drone activity in the area.
On the 94th anniversary of Russia’s Airborne Forces (VDV), Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky praised the VDV’s role in Ukraine, despite their reduced strength and high casualties. He highlighted their involvement on the east bank of the Dnipro River and noted the numerous awards received by VDV personnel during the conflict. This appearance marked Teplinsky’s public return after rumors of his injury in a Ukrainian strike. His statements aimed to reinforce the VDV’s image as an elite unit amidst ongoing heavy losses and tactical shifts to more basic infantry roles.
Ukraine News
Turkey ratified a free trade agreement with Ukraine, more than two years after it was signed by Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Originating from discussions that started in 1998 and formal negotiations in 2007, the deal aims to enhance duty-free trade, simplify logistics for Ukrainian businesses during the war, and increase economic integration. This agreement promises to abolish import duties on a significant percentage of industrial and agricultural goods from both countries, with a phased implementation over up to ten years. Turkish and Ukrainian trade has already seen substantial growth, and the deal is expected to further boost mutual trade and market access for manufacturers from both nations. The Ukrainian parliament is yet to ratify the agreement.
Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper defended the renaming of streets in Odesa, arguing it marks a move towards cultural independence from imperial legacies. This comes after criticism from Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, who disapproved of the changes, which include renaming streets previously named after Russian figures like Alexander Pushkin and Ivan Bunin, to reflect Ukrainian heritage. This initiative aligns with Ukraine’s broader efforts to eliminate Soviet and Russian influences, underscored by legislation passed in 2015 and a 2023 law prohibiting sites from bearing Russian names. Amid ongoing Russian attacks on the city, Kiper emphasized the importance of reflecting Ukrainian identity in Odesa’s public spaces.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) forecasts that an additional 400,000 Ukrainians will emigrate in 2024 and 300,000 in 2025, driven by tough economic conditions and energy insecurity. This is an increase from previous predictions, reflecting ongoing demographic and economic challenges intensified by the war. Currently, over 6 million Ukrainians remain abroad due to the conflict. Emigration surged with 200,000 leaving in 2023 alone. However, the NBU anticipates a reversal starting in 2026, expecting 400,000 refugees to return, although this process will be gradual due to continued hardships in Ukraine and the successful integration of many Ukrainians overseas. The country’s population has significantly declined from over 50 million in the early 1990s to an estimated 37 million by January 2024, with projections suggesting it could fall to 15.3 million by 2100.
A survey conducted by the National Democratic Institute and the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology reveals that 48% of Ukrainians view President Zelensky’s Servant of the People party negatively, while only 13% have a positive view. The most favored new party, led by Serhii Prytula, shows 28% positive sentiment. Other major parties like European Solidarity and UDAR also face significant negative views. The banned Opposition Platform — For Life party is the most disliked. Trust in political institutions remains low, with only 8% trusting political parties and 91% trusting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
A survey by the National Democratic Institute and the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology reveals that Ukrainians view customs, the parliament, and the Cabinet of Ministers as the most corrupt institutions. Despite anti-corruption efforts since the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, a significant portion of the populace still sees pervasive corruption. Key findings include 51% identifying customs, 48% the parliament, and 32% the government as corrupt. Additionally, 23% of respondents see healthcare, 22% local authorities, and 19% the Armed Forces as corrupt areas. In terms of combating corruption, 40% believe Ukrainian citizens and 37% credit the National Anti-Corruption Bureau as effective. The police and the Anti-Corruption Action Center NGO each garnered 30% support, while media outlets like Bihus.Info and Nashi Hroshi were also noted for their anti-corruption efforts. The survey, conducted from May 8-25, included 2,508 participants.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 0 INJURIES: 15
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured five people: three in Ivanopillia, one in Selydove, and one in Bohoiavlenka.
In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian strike on the Derhachi community injured six construction workers when it hit a bus. Five victims are in moderate condition, and one is critically injured.
Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast injured three people and damaged 19 houses, a gas pipeline, a car repair shop, and other civilian property. Additionally, strikes on an energy facility caused power outages in Kherson early in the morning.
In Sumy Oblast, a civilian was injured in a Russian drone strike on the Esman community.
Ukraine’s Allies
Republican leaders are expressing concerns that presidential nominee Donald Trump may alter the US’s stance on Ukraine, fearing a shift from centrist conservative views on national security. Trump’s recent interactions, including a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and selecting Senator JD Vance, known for his isolationist views, as his running mate, have intensified these worries. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has voiced his continued support for Ukraine, regardless of the election outcome, emphasizing the global challenge posed by authoritarian regimes. Recent polls indicate a division among Republicans, with a significant portion feeling the US is over-investing in aid to Ukraine, though the broader American electorate largely supports maintaining pressure on Russia.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
A Kremlin delegation including Sergei Kiriyenko and Mikhail Murashko visited occupied areas in Zaporizhia and Kherson oblasts to promote integration efforts with Russia. They toured a hospital in Oleshky, highlighting modernization efforts, and Kiriyenko also visited educational and administrative facilities in Berdyansk. These visits underscore the Kremlin’s ongoing focus on consolidating control and implementing infrastructure projects in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Russian occupation authorities are intensifying coercive “passportization” in occupied Ukraine, linking access to healthcare and other services to possession of Russian passports. It was reported that mandatory health screenings like fluorography exams now require Russian citizenship and health insurance. This tactic, which extends to withholding basic services in occupied Crimea, is part of broader efforts to force residents into accepting Russian citizenship by denying them essential needs unless they comply.
Russia News
Overnight drone strikes damaged targets in Russia’s Rostov and Oryol oblasts. In Rostov, explosions were reported in Rostov-on-Don, Bataysk, and Morozovsk, with a fire at the Morozovsk military airfield damaging storage facilities and igniting fuel tanks in the Kamensky district. Rostov’s governor confirmed damage and ongoing fire suppression efforts. In Oryol, electronic warfare reportedly intercepted the attack, but two drones hit a residential building. These attacks follow previous drone strikes targeting military assets in the region.
Russian Colonel Dmitry Peshkov, former deputy rear commander of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division, was arrested and charged with embezzling food rations intended for soldiers in Ukraine. Peshkov has pleaded not guilty. His arrest appears to be part of broader efforts by the Kremlin to tighten control over military leadership amid ongoing operational challenges and recent troop failures in Ukraine.
Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin, released in a major prisoner swap on August 1, vowed to return to Russia and pursue a vision of a “peaceful, prosperous, free and happy” nation. Speaking in Bonn, Germany, Yashin expressed his reluctance to live in exile, viewing it as an end to his political career in Russia. Despite refusing to sign a pardon request from President Vladimir Putin, whom he labeled a “war criminal,” Yashin was included in the exchange. He highlighted his ongoing commitment to Russian politics despite being forced out of the country, stating his detention and subsequent release against his will as illegal under Russian law. Yashin’s political activism includes his tenure on the Moscow City Council and his vocal opposition to Kremlin policies, including the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian Federation Council passed a bill enabling employers to send employee data directly to military registration offices, aiding Russia’s efforts to meet its military manpower needs.
Dmitri Rogozin, former head of Roscosmos and now a senator, responded to criticisms from Russian milbloggers about the quality of drones produced for military use. He suggested that the Russian Ministry of Defense should foster more competition and diversity in drone production. This criticism follows ongoing complaints regarding the inadequacy of drones provided to Russian forces, particularly those from the “Sudoplatov” volunteer drone initiative.
The People’s Front’s “Kulibin Club” announced the delivery of the first batch of “Varan” unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Russian forces in Ukraine. These UGVs can transport up to 1.5 tons of cargo and evacuate wounded personnel. They can also be outfitted with electronic warfare systems, machine guns, or mine-clearing equipment.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
The Russian Federation Council passed bills to tighten government control over the information space and limit migrant rights in Russia. The legislation requires social media channel owners with over 10,000 subscribers to register with Roskomnadzor, restricts foreigners’ ability to purchase SIM cards, and sets stringent conditions for migrants including termination of naturalized citizenship for failure to register for military service. Additionally, migrants face increased restrictions on banking, driving, marrying, and property ownership. These measures aim to control activities deemed undesirable by the Kremlin.
An investigation by Texty.org.ua revealed that over 2,000 TikTok accounts are involved in a Russian campaign to undermine the Ukrainian government and military. Using the hashtag “tsenemoyaukraina,” which amassed over 10 million views from 41,000 posts by the end of July, these accounts spread disinformation about Ukrainian mobilization efforts, predominantly through bot-generated content. This activity is part of a broader trend where pro-Russian entities utilize TikTok to promote their narratives and weaken support for Ukraine internationally.
A Russian milblogger inaccurately reported a Ukrainian public opinion poll, claiming it showed 57% support for unconditioned peace talks with Russia. In truth, the survey indicated that while 57% of Ukrainians favor negotiations, they insist on not making territorial concessions or abandoning NATO or EU aspirations. This finding aligns with broader Ukrainian sentiment against complying with Russian demands.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com