"These narratives are actively disseminated by Russian media – including the so-called state media – at this time, claiming that the goals of the 'special military operation' are either 'already achieved' or 'will soon be achieved', and that '[illegitimate president of the Russian Federation Vladimir] Putin is doing great, outsmarting everyone'. In other words, this is happening right now," he stated.
He noted that there is no talk of the "Kremlin elder" Putin declaring the end of the war, yet Russian "propaganda is at work".
A journalist inquired how propaganda in Russia could explain a "victory" to the citizens.
Yusov reminded that "in a totalitarian society, everything can be turned 180 degrees or any other degree" because such societies are subject to manipulation.
"The enemy has certain advancements and achievements in the occupied territories – in fact, these can be portrayed as successes, just like the claims that 'the economy has become (supposedly) stronger', 'the army has become (supposedly) stronger'. Undoubtedly, propaganda will not address losses, damages, or destruction within Russia. One way or another, such narratives [about the alleged end of the war] are increasingly being aggressively promoted by Russian propaganda," emphasized the representative of the GUR MO.
According to him, all of this "also indicates certain processes and assessments that are occurring among the Kremlin elite as well".