Russia’s release of videos showing interrogations of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) is a deliberate tactic aimed at demoralising both the Ukrainian military and civilians, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“These hostile videos are part of the information war waged by the aggressor. Their dissemination seeks to demoralise Ukrainian society and military personnel while influencing public opinion both domestically and internationally,” the Air Force stated.
The purpose of such videos, according to the Air Force, is to propagate misinformation and undermine trust in Ukraine’s military and political leadership. By presenting manipulated narratives, Russia attempts to create false impressions of internal dissent, territorial losses, or lack of cohesion within the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
The Air Force warned that these videos often include statements extracted under physical or psychological duress. Such content does not reflect the true opinions or positions of the captured personnel, who may be forced to say what the aggressor demands. This, the statement emphasises, is not a sign of betrayal but a result of the harsh conditions of captivity.
Additionally, the videos may feature facts taken out of context or deliberately distorted to favour Russian propaganda, creating a misleading picture of the situation on the frontlines and the morale of Ukrainian society.
The Air Force Command called on Ukrainians to critically assess such materials, recognising the possibility of falsification. “Information warfare is an integral part of repelling armed aggression. By staying united and informed, we can counter enemy propaganda,” the statement concluded.