Russia is conducting an extremely powerful information-psychological operation against Ukrainian society in the context of negotiations over a peace plan. This was stated in an interview with LIGA.net by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov, who took part in talks with the United States in Switzerland.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Russian officials had called the version of the peace plan developed by Ukraine and Europeans unpromising — offering terms far less favorable to the Russian Federation than in the original document. The journalist asked the military officer about Moscow's position.
"I can't comment on that statement — I haven't heard it. On the battlefield they will demonstrate what they always do. Any events important to Russia have always been accompanied by surges of aggression. Which, in fact, happened last night"
– he replied, referring to the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on November 25.
Diplomatic work continues
Hnatov noted that surges of aggression do not mean a halt to diplomatic work. In this context he recalled the talks of U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll with the Russian side.
"It [Driscoll's meeting] took place. Hard work is ongoing. Of course, there will be a lot of manipulation. Russia is conducting an extremely powerful information-psychological operation to break our society and demoralize it"
– the Chief of the General Staff emphasized.
Results of the talks in Geneva
Hnatov added that even with regard to the talks in Geneva, within less than a day there were several emotional waves of speculation and hysteria, even though the meeting actually involved constructive work.
"The result is very progressive. It's a good foundation. [...] We worked very productively on issues related to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. And we decided on what is in Ukraine's national interest"
– the military official said.
