Yesterday, Russian Telegram channels spread reports alleging secret meetings between Ukraine’s top military and intelligence officials and Western partners to discuss replacing President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine’s intelligence agency quickly denied these claims, emphasizing that such disinformation aims to destabilize the country.
Meanwhile, political activity and debates regarding the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine have intensified. While elections during martial law contradict the Constitution and current laws, election initiatives continue to be discussed, supported by new bills and politicians' statements.
This article analyzes how Russia leverages information operations to reinforce the narrative about the need for political change in Ukraine, highlighting the risks this poses to the country’s domestic stability. The core objective of Russian propaganda, the analysis notes, is to weaken Ukrainian authorities and fuel societal tension.
It also considers scenarios in which elections might be used as a bargaining chip in international negotiations, while underscoring the significant security risks, such as potential attacks during the voting process.