Russia creates an “information alibi” regarding events in Pokrovsk
Russian propaganda is spreading a fake narrative claiming that Ukrainian troops are preparing a false flag operation involving the mass murder of civilians in Pokrovsk. The propagandists allege that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have arrived in the city and are “planning to commit crimes against civilians, disguised in Russian uniforms.”
Once again, Russia is attempting to create an “information alibi” to justify its own crimes against the civilian population of Donetsk region, particularly in Pokrovsk. This is a typical Russian propaganda tactic, where Russia preemptively accuses Ukraine of actions that it plans to carry out itself.
By spreading such disinformation to discredit the Ukrainian military, Russia also aims to intimidate the people who remain in the city. In doing so, Russia seeks to disrupt the evacuation from Pokrovsk. Russia aims to use the civilian population as a human shield to hinder the operations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
