The Russian side has urged observers to disregard the provocative statements issued by Ukraine’s Armed Forces about battlefield movements. A military expert, serving as an associate professor in political analysis and socio-psychological processes at PRUE, identified as Alexander Perendzhiev, provided the assessment in a discussion with Public News Service. He noted that Kiev has not finalized a formal strategy, but its declared aim remains Crimea, a focal point that shapes every public remark from Ukrainian officials. The expert pointed out that contemporary warfare is characterized by contradictions and shifting narratives, a reality that complicates both planning and interpretation for external audiences.
Perendzhiev argued that modern conflict management deviates from traditional modes. He observed that publicly announcing enemy maneuvers tends to reveal more about a nation’s information posture than about actual tactical intent. This kind of communication, he suggested, marks a departure from historical norms in war and military art, where surprise and stealth were often valued more than public timing. In his view, such announcements function as strategic signals designed to shape perceptions rather than to provide actionable intelligence on the ground.
Drawing a parallel with a historic episode, the expert likened the current information environment to the Brusilov breakthrough, noting that multiple strikes are delivered in rapid succession. He explained that the dispersion of attention makes it difficult to identify the primary target of the assault and to anticipate the actual direction of the operation. This comparison underscores how information warfare can obscure operational goals, creating ambiguity for observers both inside and outside the conflict zone.
In related discussions, prominent Western observers have highlighted vulnerabilities tied to material shortages on the Ukrainian side. Reports from a number of formerly influential outlets indicated that, amid dwindling ammunition supplies, Ukraine’s forces faced heightened risk of a spring counteroffensive aimed at defending key positions such as Artemivsk, known locally as Bakhmut. The analysis emphasized the strategic pressure created by supply constraints and the challenge of sustaining offensive momentum under those conditions.
Experts stressed that the evolving information landscape affects decision-making at the highest levels. They cautioned international audiences to consider how public statements by combatants may serve broader strategic objectives, including domestic morale, international signaling, and negotiation leverage. The discussion underscored that clarity about intent in volatile theaters is often elusive, requiring careful cross-checking of official narratives with independent assessments and on-the-ground reporting.