Following Russia’s missile attack on Kyiv, Russian propaganda attempted to shift the blame to Ukraine’s air defense, a tactic criticized by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) as manipulation to avoid responsibility for targeting civilians.
(Kyiv) – After Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv, Russian propaganda outlets quickly attempted to shift the blame for the resulting destruction onto Ukraine’s air defense systems. According to the National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation, this tactic is a classic example of manipulation designed to divert responsibility for Russia’s attack on civilian infrastructure.
The NSDC’s Central Intelligence Center issued a statement following the morning missile strike, which targeted Kyiv and caused significant damage. The Council denounced Russia’s attempt to justify the attack by claiming that the damage was the result of Ukrainian air defense systems intercepting the missile. This claim, according to the NSDC, is a deliberate effort to distort the truth and evade accountability for the destruction and loss of life caused by Russia’s missile strikes.
In its statement, the NSDC emphasized that Russia’s missile attacks were the primary cause of the destruction, and any claims that Ukrainian defense systems were responsible are false. “It is Russia that is the criminal, launching missiles and other weapons at Ukrainian territory—killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure,” the Council’s Central Intelligence Center wrote on Telegram. The message serves as a direct rebuttal to the Russian propaganda narrative.
This incident highlights a broader pattern in Russian propaganda, which frequently distorts facts and seeks to portray Ukrainian defense efforts as the source of the damage inflicted by Russian aggression. By shifting blame, Russia aims to deflect international scrutiny and avoid being held accountable for its attacks on Ukraine’s cities and civilians.
The NSDC’s statement comes amid ongoing Russian missile strikes targeting key infrastructure in Ukraine, including energy facilities and residential areas. These strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage, prompting calls from the international community for increased support to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Ukraine has consistently condemned Russia’s attacks on civilian targets, asserting that such actions violate international law and constitute war crimes. The NSDC’s statement reflects the Ukrainian government’s continued stance that Russia must be held accountable for its actions, including its use of propaganda to justify its military operations.
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