How the Kremlin uses the «blue light» to promote war
Russia exploits New Year’s celebrations to militarise its society. For the first time, participants in the war against Ukraine have been invited to the traditional Russian New Year’s TV show, «Blue light».
This year, the New Year’s broadcast on major Russian television channels will feature several officers involved in war crimes committed in Ukraine. According to available reports, the subordinates of these military figures carried out atrocities against civilians in Kyiv, Donetsk, Kherson regions, and other areas of active combat.
Among the military personnel entertaining Russian viewers on New Year’s Eve is Kyrylo Losunchukov, a participant in the aggression against Ukraine, who was previously highlighted by the Center in its publication series «War Criminals: Russia’s New Elite». Also appearing in the «Blue light» lineup are: Lev Makeyev, a sergeant from the Vityaz Special Operations Centre, implicated in the Bucha massacres; and Ilkhom Peter, commander of the assault unit of the 80th Tank Regiment, which engaged in combat operations in Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Popasna, and other settlements.
