Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements at the Kazakhstan summit are rife with distortions and falsehoods, serving as a strategic effort to manipulate both domestic and international perceptions.
Claim
The authorities in Kyiv are completely illegitimate and do not have the right to give orders to the military.
Reality
Ukraine’s government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was democratically elected in 2019 with a significant majority, reflecting the will of the Ukrainian people. International observers, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), recognized the elections as free and fair. Labeling Kyiv’s authorities as illegitimate undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic processes.
Claim
The head of the Kyiv regime, in addition to missiles, begs his masters for other military equipment.
Reality
Ukraine’s requests for military assistance from Western allies are legitimate acts of a sovereign nation seeking defense support against external aggression. Characterizing these appeals as “begging” is a demeaning portrayal intended to diminish Ukraine’s agency and the legitimacy of its defense efforts.
Claim
A comprehensive strike was carried out on targets in Ukraine using 90 missiles and 100 drones, hitting 117 targets.
Reality
While Russia has conducted extensive attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, the figures provided by Putin are likely exaggerated to project military dominance. Independent reports confirm significant strikes, but the exact numbers often differ from official Russian statements, indicating potential inflation of data for propaganda purposes.
Claim
The Russian X-101 missile is an analogue of the Storm Shadow, and the Iskander is an analogue of all three modifications of the American ATACMS.
Reality
The Kh-101 and Storm Shadow missiles are both long-range cruise missiles, but they differ in design, guidance systems, and operational use. Similarly, while the Iskander and ATACMS are short-range ballistic missiles, they have distinct specifications and capabilities. Equating them overlooks these differences and oversimplifies complex military technologies.
Claim
The Russian Federation produces 10 times more missiles than all NATO countries combined.
Reality
The assertion lacks credible evidence and appears to be an overstatement aimed at showcasing Russia’s military-industrial capacity. NATO countries collectively have substantial defense production capabilities, and such a disproportionate comparison is implausible.
Claim
Decision-making centers in Kyiv could become a target for destruction by “Oreshnik.”
Reality
Threatening to target governmental centers in Kyiv with the Oreshnik missile, a new hypersonic ballistic missile, escalates the conflict and violates international laws protecting civilian infrastructure. Such statements are intended to intimidate and coerce, reflecting aggressive posturing rather than legitimate military strategy.
Claim
Russia has several ready-to-use systems similar to Oreshnik.
Reality
The Oreshnik missile is reportedly in the experimental stage, with limited numbers available. Claims of having multiple ready-to-use systems are likely exaggerated to project an image of advanced military readiness.
Claim
The General Staff and the Ministry of Defense are currently selecting targets for the Oreshnik to destroy on Ukrainian territory.
Reality
Announcing the selection of targets for a new missile system serves as psychological warfare, aiming to instill fear and uncertainty. Such declarations are part of a broader strategy to manipulate public perception and maintain a narrative of military superiority.
Putin’s statements at the Kazakhstan summit are laden with misinformation and aggressive rhetoric, serving as tools of propaganda to justify Russia’s actions and undermine Ukraine’s legitimacy on the global stage.
