Panic over information about ‘potential large-scale Russian airstrikes’
Ukraine: “Russian psychological warfare… “Don’t be swayed.”
The United States has decided to normalize its embassy in Ukraine within a day after it had been closed due to the threat of a potential Russian airstrike.
According to CNN, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a regular briefing on the 20th (local time), “We expect that (U.S. Embassy in Ukraine) employees who did not come to work today will come to work tomorrow.”
The U.S. government announced the day before that it would temporarily close the U.S. Embassy in Chiiu, saying it had received specific information about a potential large-scale airstrike. Following this, Italy, Spain, and Greece closed their embassies in Chiu.
“We take the safety and security of our employees very seriously, which is why we changed our stance today,” Miller said in briefing, without specifying what the potential threat was. “There are a wide range of factors.” He explained that such a decision was made “based on”.
“We are not aware of any significant attacks on the Ukrainian capital,” he said. “We maintain our security posture based on an up-to-date assessment of all available information and are working very carefully to protect our employees.”
Ukraine determined that Russia had spread false information to cause confusion. Air raid warning messages appear to have been distributed indiscriminately to diplomats, Telegram channels, and soldiers.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency criticized Russia through Telegram, saying, “Russia has spread false warnings and engaged in information and psychological warfare.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said, “What happened today, the information injection and some of the panic messages sent, all only help Russia,” adding, “Everyone take care of yourselves, help our troops and don’t let others use your emotions for their own gain.” “It must be done,” he expressed.
This situation occurred after Ukraine first attacked mainland Russia with the US long-range ATACMS missile. Russia warned of an “appropriate response,” and on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an amendment to the nuclear doctrine that lowered the threshold for nuclear use.
Usually, when other countries, including the United States, withdraw their embassies, it is read as a signal that a serious threat is imminent.
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How can Ukraine counteract the psychological warfare tactics employed by Russia during the conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert Dr. Elena Petrov
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Petrov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding the situation in Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine was closed due to potential large-scale Russian airstrikes and has now reopened, which seems quite perplexing. What do you make of this rapid shift in the U.S. stance?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Thank you for having me. The quick decision to normalize operations at the U.S. Embassy indicates a complex interplay of intelligence assessments. It appears the U.S. government, guided by their security protocols, assessed that the threat level may not be as severe as initially perceived. This rapid reassessment is quite standard in diplomatic security but does highlight a degree of instability in the situation on the ground.
Time.news Editor: Certainly. The article mentioned that several other countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, also closed their embassies. Does this signify a collective concern among Western nations regarding Russia’s intentions?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Absolutely. The immediate closure of allied embassies suggests a shared apprehension about potential escalations in hostilities. The diplomatic community often reacts in unison to perceived threats in a volatile region, as the safety of their personnel is paramount. However, their subsequent reassessment may also indicate a collaborative approach to gathering and analyzing intelligence about the situation.
Time.news Editor: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency has accused Russia of engaging in psychological warfare, spreading false information to induce panic. How effective do you think these tactics can be, especially in a crisis like this?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Psychological warfare can be incredibly effective, particularly in destabilizing the morale of both military and civilian populations. By sowing doubt and confusion, as seen in this situation, Russia can exploit vulnerabilities within Ukraine and undermine trust in their government and allies. It’s a tactic that not only affects military readiness but can also have long-lasting implications on public sentiment and support.
Time.news Editor: President Zelensky has urged the public to remain calm and not let emotions dictate their actions. In such high-pressure situations, how can leaders effectively communicate with their citizens to prevent panic?
Dr. Elena Petrov: Communication is crucial during crises. Leaders need to strike a balance between transparency and reassurance. Zelensky’s emphasis on rationality promotes resilience among the public, encouraging them to support national defence efforts rather than succumb to fear. Effective communication should also involve dissemination of accurate information to counteract disinformation campaigns, fostering a sense of collective agency rather than helplessness.
Time.news Editor: The article also hints at escalating tensions, especially after Ukraine’s attack on Russian mainland and subsequent nuclear doctrine amendments by Putin. What does this mean for the stability of the region going forward?
Dr. Elena Petrov: The situation is indeed precarious. Any shift in nuclear policy, particularly one that lowers the threshold for use, should be taken very seriously. It indicates a willingness to escalate the situation dramatically, which could provoke further conflict not only between Ukraine and Russia but potentially involving NATO countries as well. The path ahead will require careful diplomatic maneuvering to de-escalate tensions and avoid a broader confrontation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how both diplomatic and military strategies unfold.
Dr. Elena Petrov: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep monitoring these developments closely. Communication, both within Ukraine and among the international community, will play a key role in navigating these challenging times.