11 Shocking Revelations About Russia's Video Propaganda and War Tactics
1. Russia's Use of Glide Bombs in Ukraine
Russia has increasingly used glide bombs in the war against Ukraine. These weapons, made from Soviet-era munitions, are retrofitted with wings and satellite guidance systems, making them highly destructive and cheap to produce. Source: CBS News
2. Russian Propaganda Efforts in the U.S.
Russia has been accused of using unwitting right-wing American influencers to spread Kremlin propaganda ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Justice Department charged two individuals affiliated with RT for allegedly orchestrating a plan to finance and guide the creation of social media videos that garnered millions of views. Source: NPR
3. Execution of Surrendering Ukrainian Soldiers
Exclusive video footage appears to show Russian forces executing three surrendering Ukrainian soldiers in the Pokrovsk region. This incident is part of a troubling trend of brutal tactics employed by Russian military forces. Ukrainian prosecutors believe these alleged killings constitute war crimes and are part of a coordinated strategy by the Kremlin. Source: CNN
4. Russian Military Advances in Ukraine
Russia has made significant advances in Ukraine, occupying around 20% of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the eastern Donbas region. The city of Vuhledar recently fell to Russian control after two years of fighting, and Russian troops are closing in on the city of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian logistics hub. Source: CBS News
5. Drone Strikes and Aerial Attacks
Ukraine and Russia have been trading regular drone and missile strikes across the front line. The Ukrainian Air Force reported destroying 78 of 105 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight, while the Russian military claimed to have intercepted 113 Ukrainian drones. Source: CBS News
6. Russian Military Casualties
According to U.S. officials, more than 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the invasion of Ukraine. Despite these losses, President Vladimir Putin has continued to push for gains, and Russia plans to draft over 130,000 additional soldiers by January. Source: CBS News
7. NATO's Support for Ukraine
NATO's new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, has vowed to step up support for Ukraine and bring it closer to the transatlantic defense alliance. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged global leaders not to seek a 'lull' in the conflict but instead a 'real, just peace.' Source: ABC News
8. Russian Election Interference
Federal authorities have accused Russia of using unwitting right-wing American influencers to disseminate Kremlin propaganda ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Justice Department charged two individuals affiliated with RT for allegedly orchestrating this plan. Source: NPR
9. Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Recent strikes have hit high-rise apartment buildings in Kharkiv, injuring 12 people including a 3-year-old girl. The city remains a frequent target of aerial attacks. Source: CBS News
10. Russian Military Tactics
The Russian military has employed relentless and brutal tactics in eastern Ukraine. Drone footage has captured scenes of surrendering Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces, which Ukrainian prosecutors believe constitute war crimes. Source: CNN
11. Mass Exodus from Russia
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled their country. This mass exodus includes many outspoken opponents who live in perpetual fear of being targeted by the Kremlin. Source: BBC News