Nationalists Demand Russia Wage War Better, Ukrainian Expert Says

The narrative within Russian propaganda has shifted, with even staunch nationalists now admitting that the war in Ukraine is not progressing as planned, according to Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazanskyi. Kazanskyi, a prominent expert on the conflict with a significant following among Russians on his YouTube channel, observes that the Kremlin's messaging has moved from proclaiming a swift victory to acknowledging the war's difficulties.

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The Putin regime can only do things one way. It cannot change.

"The Putin regime can only do things one way. It cannot change," Kazanskyi stated in an interview in Kyiv. He believes Russia's inability to learn from its mistakes and adapt its strategy is a significant advantage for Ukraine. Despite censorship, many Russians follow Kazanskyi's channel, where he analyzes Russian propaganda, which he describes as still aggressive and hateful in nature.

While some Russian propagandists, like film director Karen Shakhnazarov and separatist leader Igor Strelkov, previously voiced concerns about the war being a mistake, they were initially isolated. The prevailing narrative claimed Kyiv would fall within three days. Now, four years into the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's successful drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel depots have led to widespread fuel shortages across many Russian regions. Tourists are reportedly fleeing the occupied Crimean Peninsula, facing lengthy queues to return to Russia via the Kerch Bridge.

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Some individual Russian propagandists understood early on that the war was a bad idea. For example, film director Karen Shakhnazarov and separatist leader Igor Strelkov. They said the war was a mistake, but they were alone. Everyone else spoke of Kyiv being conquered in three days.

This turn of events has angered Russian propagandists. Vladimir Solovyov, host of the state channel Rossiya's Sunday program, has declared his intention to volunteer for the front lines. Actor and propagandist Ivan Ohlobystin also lamented that "Ukrainians are bombing us mercilessly."

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Ukrainians are bombing us mercilessly.