The document that Meduza reports on consists of so-called “recommendations” from the Russian political top on how state-controlled media should report on the war.
The main message is that the media “should not underestimate” the counter-offensive Ukraine is expected to launch. Instead, they are asked to report on how much weaponry the West has provided the opponents with and emphasize that the offensive is taking place with the support of NATO.
According to Meduza sources, they want to create a situation where all outcomes can be seen as positive for the Kremlin. If the offensive fails, the conclusion can be drawn that Russia fended off a strong enemy – if Ukraine achieves success, they will be seen as acceptable in the guise of NATO support, the sources explain.
Downplays the May 9 celebration
However, the spring offensive is not the only thing the instructions deal with. The media is also advised not to attach much importance to the money spent on rebuilding infrastructure in occupied territories.
Furthermore, they are asked to play down the preparations for “Victory Day”, May 9, when Russia celebrates the end of the Second World War. According to a source for Meduza, it may have to do with the fact that the traditional military parade in Moscow will be relatively stripped down. This is because the vehicles that are usually displayed have been sent to Ukraine.
“Lowers expectations”
According to media researcher Kateryna Boyko, who among other things studies Russian propaganda, the instructions are a clear example of how the Kremlin’s narrative has shifted.
In the past, the Russian line was to de-dramatize defeat with rewrites, she explains. An example is how the retreat from Kharkiv and Kherson last autumn could be described as “organized regrouping” or “straightening the front line”.
– They used this language to smooth over the setbacks, but now they are instead lowering expectations completely, she says.
Hear Kateryna Boyko talk about how the Kremlin controls Russian state media in the clip above.