Internal Degree of Hysteria and Mobilization in Russia May Rise: Andrey Yusov

Andrey Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Intelligence, has noted that the Russian narrative suggesting that those carrying out terrorism near Moscow have allegedly fled to Ukraine does not hold up to scrutiny.

“One does not need to be an expert on security matters to understand this. A large-scale war has been ongoing for more than two years, with enemy troops, special agents, representatives of security services, and forces densely populated in border areas. The border is mined, and observation is carried out by all means, including aerial reconnaissance, from both sides. Areas such as Belgorod and Kursk are, generally speaking, now active combat zones following recent events. And of course, this narrative does not withstand criticism; everyone in the world understands this, except possibly the Russian population,” said Yusov.

He reminded that Russian special services have a history of organizing terrorism within their territory. “There are now all the signs that we are dealing with similar activities of the Russian special services. The next likely step will be the escalation of hysteria and the removal of even the formal remnants of civil rights and freedoms,” he stated.

At the same time, Yusov indicated that this would not have a noticeable impact on the course of the war. “Mobilization measures have not ceased for a single day within the territory of an aggressor state. Therefore, on a global level, it will not affect anything. But yes, the internal degree of hysteria and mobilization in Russia can indeed be raised, although the rhetoric of the propagandists is already maximally neo-Nazi and aggressive; it’s hard to imagine it being higher,” the representative announced.

He also expressed the opinion that Russia will attempt to use terrorism to change the situation on the international stage. “Putin's regime will try to transform the image of an aggressor, with which Russia is currently perceived in the world, into that of a victim. Despite the fact that the world has warned about the threat of such incidents on Russian territory, Putin's regime either did nothing to prevent this or is itself involved in organizing these terrorist acts,” Yusov explained.