Key Russian propaganda channels, including RIA Novosti, have launched another wave of disinformation about possible changes in Ukraine’s top leadership. This time, the object of their fantasies was the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
According to the Kremlin media, Budanov has allegedly become a threat to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy due to his growing popularity and “close ties to the CIA and MI6.” RIA Novosti even cites non-existent polls that put Budanov ahead of Zelenskyy by 18%.
In addition, the Russian outlet claims that Budanov can “position himself as a presidential candidate” by using his contacts with American intelligence.
Military expert Andriy Vasylchuk in his blog his blog analyzes these propaganda statements in detail. “The Russian propaganda machine is working at full capacity again,” he notes. “This time, the main object of their fantasies is the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov. RIA Novosti, one of the Kremlin’s key mouthpieces, has come up with another ‘sensation’ about Budanov’s alleged upcoming resignation and presidential ambitions.”
Vasylchuk draws attention to a favorite narrative of Russian propaganda about the “Kyiv regime’s personnel charade.” “They say that Ukraine has constant problems with its leadership. In fact, changes in the government are a normal democratic process, which Russia does not seem to understand. As well as the fact that presidents can really change,” the expert writes.
Regarding the allegations of “close ties with the CIA and MI6,” Vasylchuk notes: “It is a classic discrediting technique to attribute ‘ties to foreign intelligence’ to a Ukrainian intelligence officer. RIA Novosti writes: “Using this, he can position himself as a presidential candidate. Of course, no evidence is provided for this.”
The expert also emphasizes the absurdity of using non-existent ratings: “The propagandists have outdone themselves here. They refer to non-existent ratings, mixing real numbers with fictitious ones. KIIS does conduct polls, but Budanov was not included in them.”
“The Russian media are trying to create the illusion of a conflict between Zelenskyy and Budanov,” Vasylchuk said. “This is the culmination of a propaganda narrative. The Kremlin is trying to create the illusion of alternative centers of power in Ukraine. But in reality, this only shows their confusion before the professionalism of the Ukrainian leadership.”
Vasylchuk adds ironically: “Interestingly, this spoof was probably created by the Russian artificial intelligence ‘Boyarishnik’, which was trained on the works of Pushkin, Shufutinsky and Bulanova. This explains the strange mixture of high style and chanson in RIA Novosti’s text.”
In conclusion, the expert calls for critical thinking: “Critical thinking is our main weapon in the information war. Check information, analyze sources, and do not fall for provocations. Together we are stronger than any propaganda.”
We would like to remind you that Russian propaganda regularly launches similar “sensations” aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine and discrediting its leadership. We should remain vigilant and not trust unverified sources of information.