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Russian propaganda has circulated false claims on social media about alleged “national resistance” to mobilization efforts in Kharkiv, including a fabricated story about the killing of a Territorial Recruitment Center and Social Support (TCC and SP) serviceman, according to officials from the Kharkiv Regional TCC and SP.
The regional recruitment center firmly stated that no evidence supports these allegations, describing them as deliberate disinformation designed to destabilize Ukrainian society. This fabrication appears to be the latest in a series of information warfare tactics deployed by Russia as the conflict continues into its third year.
“In the absence of actual confirmed conflicts, Russian propagandists have resorted to inventing new information provocations for their audience,” a representative from the Kharkiv Regional TCC and SP told Ukrainian National News (UNN). “This particular narrative about an alleged death of a recruitment center serviceman has absolutely no factual basis.”
Officials emphasized that these disinformation campaigns serve multiple strategic objectives for Russia: creating social division within Ukraine, fostering negative perceptions of military recruitment centers, and potentially inciting violent resistance to legal mobilization measures.
The recruitment center representatives noted that such psychological operations aim to undermine Ukraine’s defensive capabilities at a critical time when troop strength remains essential to maintaining front line positions. The eastern Kharkiv region borders Russia and has been a focal point of military operations since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Despite these propaganda efforts, the Kharkiv Regional TCC and SP confirmed they continue fulfilling their mandated duties of staffing military units. They also reassured the public that Ukrainian Armed Forces service members without combat experience undergo comprehensive military training before being assigned to combat missions.
“The enemy’s attempts to promote this myth of ‘national resistance’ will not fracture the unity of Ukrainians who remain committed to defending their state,” the recruitment center stated.
The spread of such disinformation comes amid Ukraine’s ongoing mobilization efforts to replenish its forces following significant losses during nearly two years of full-scale war. The Ukrainian government has recently implemented stricter mobilization measures to address military personnel shortages.
Military analysts note that Russia has intensified information operations targeting Ukraine’s mobilization process, recognizing it as a potential vulnerability in Ukraine’s defense strategy. The fabricated stories attempt to exploit legitimate concerns among Ukrainian citizens about conscription while creating an exaggerated impression of widespread resistance.
In an unrelated but actual incident, authorities in Ternopil region recently charged two local residents with assaulting a Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman following a traffic accident on January 11 that escalated into a physical confrontation.
Media experts caution Ukrainian citizens to verify information through official channels, particularly when encountering dramatic claims about resistance to mobilization or alleged violence involving military recruitment personnel. Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications has previously identified numerous Russian disinformation narratives specifically targeting the mobilization process.
The false narrative about Kharkiv follows a pattern of Russian information operations that combine elements of truth with fabrications to create plausible-sounding but entirely fictional scenarios designed to demoralize Ukrainian society and weaken support for defense efforts.
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13 Comments
It’s troubling to see Russia continuing to spread disinformation about the situation in Ukraine. Inventing stories about ‘national resistance’ to mobilization efforts is a calculated tactic to undermine public unity. Kudos to the Kharkiv officials for promptly addressing and debunking these false claims.
Agreed, Russia’s reliance on information warfare is a major concern. Countering these propaganda narratives with facts and transparency is crucial to maintain trust and cohesion in Ukraine.
This latest propaganda from Russia is deeply concerning. Fabricating stories about resistance to military mobilization is a clear attempt to sow discord and instability in Ukraine. I’m glad the local authorities are firmly refuting these baseless allegations and setting the record straight.
The Russian propaganda claims about resistance to mobilization in Kharkiv are deeply concerning. Fabricating stories about the killing of a recruitment center serviceman is a blatant attempt to sow discord and instability. I’m glad the local authorities are firmly refuting these baseless allegations.
It’s disturbing to see Russia resort to such blatant fabrications about the situation in Ukraine. Falsely claiming ‘national resistance’ to mobilization efforts is a desperate attempt to create division and unrest. The prompt rebuttal from local authorities is reassuring.
It’s disappointing but not surprising to see Russia resorting to such blatant disinformation tactics. Inventing stories about ‘national resistance’ to mobilization efforts is a desperate attempt to undermine Ukrainian morale and public unity. Kudos to the Kharkiv officials for their prompt and fact-based response.
Agreed, Russia’s reliance on propaganda is a major concern. Maintaining transparency and effectively countering these false narratives is crucial to preserving social cohesion in Ukraine.
This is yet another example of how Russia uses misinformation as a weapon. Inventing stories about resistance to military mobilization is a calculated move to demoralize Ukrainians. Kudos to the Ukrainian officials for swiftly debunking these baseless claims.
The transparency and fact-based response from the Kharkiv officials is commendable. Staying vigilant against Russian propaganda is crucial to maintain public unity and trust in Ukraine.
Concerning to see Russia spreading more propaganda to sow discord in Ukraine. Fabricating stories about resistance to mobilization efforts is a clear attempt to undermine public trust and unity. Ukrainian authorities seem to be addressing this disinformation effectively.
Agreed, Russia continues to rely on information warfare tactics as the conflict drags on. It’s critical that the truth is communicated clearly to counter these false narratives.
This is a clear example of Russia’s information warfare tactics. Spreading disinformation about resistance to military mobilization is a calculated move to undermine Ukrainian morale and social cohesion. Kudos to the officials for swiftly debunking these baseless claims.
Agreed, Russia’s reliance on propaganda and misinformation is a major concern. It’s vital that the truth is disseminated to counter these false narratives and maintain public trust in Ukraine.