The situation in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson was so hopeless for the Russians that their only option was to withdraw. But the recapture of Ukraine has dramatic consequences for the invaders. Crimea could then fall next. Putin was prepared for defeat and can cover up losses on the battlefield.
Russian media in exile Meduza describes how propaganda manuals were distributed to state media just before news Wednesday that Russia was withdrawing. The situation in Kherson is “the most difficult for the Russian army in the current phase of the special operation,” the document said.
Days earlier, a withdrawal from the area was said to be “undesirable” but “probable”. Now the case is a fact and that’s why the rhetoric on state television is being polished up. According to the propaganda of the Kremlin, Ukraine is a terrorist state backed by the West.
“Bloody Show for the West”
NATO and Ukraine would use concentrated force against Russian troops. Ukraine is poised to “kill tens of thousands of its own and foreign soldiers” to get more weapons from the West, according to new state reporting guidelines. And: “Zelensky wants to arrange a bloody show for the West.”
But not all is lost yet. Russian history shows that retreat can lead to victory. State media would quote a speech by Russian historian Anatoly Torkunov (72). In a speech at a meeting with Putin, Torkunov compared the Battle of Kherson to the Battle of Poltava led by Peter the Great (1672-1725) in June 1709. The Russians faced Swedish forces in the Great Northern War. At that time, the Tsar had his troops withdraw to what is now the Ukrainian city of Poltava. From there the Swedish attacks were repulsed. This gave Peter the Great enough time to mobilize new soldiers. Likewise, Turkonov argues, it could happen after Kherson’s retreat.
Russia wants to portray itself as a hero
The Kakhovka Dam is also an important topic in the Russian propaganda story. According to Putin, Ukraine is planning a “terrorist attack” on the dam on the Dnieper River. The consequences would be dramatic: civilians and Russian troops would be swept along with the current if the dam were destroyed. Russia and Ukraine even accuse each other of preparing attacks on the dam.
Russia is trying to portray itself as a hero with propaganda. Meduza quotes from the handbook: “Russian troops are trying to save the lives of civilians and soldiers.” People from Kherson were forcibly evacuated in October and had to leave their homes. Even if the Russians withdraw now, one thing is clear: Russia will certainly try with all its might to win back Kherson. (jwg)