Russia plans to threaten violence against the families of Ukrainian troops in an effort to “induce surrender” and clear the path for its invading forces, according to President Joe Biden’s administration.
“Our information indicates Russia is creating a disinformation campaign by publicizing false reports about the widespread surrender of Ukrainian troops,” a U.S. official told reporters. “Our information also indicates that Russia plans to threaten killing the family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender.”
Russian forces have invaded Ukraine along multiple lines of attack, with the capital city of Kyiv being one of their primary targets. Russian President Vladimir Putin made an overt call for the Ukrainian military to “take power in your own hands” by turning on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“It seems like it will be easier for us to agree with you than this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis,” Putin said in a televised message to Ukrainian forces.
Zelensky, a Ukrainian of Jewish descent, reportedly told European leaders that “this might be the last time you see me alive,” according to Axios. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told reporters that Russia intends “to enter Kyiv and liquidate the leadership of Ukraine, personally Volodymyr Zelensky.”
‘ULTIMATE TEST OF BRINKMANSHIP’: US PREPS FOR HIGH-STAKES PROXY WAR AGAINST RUSSIA IN UKRAINE
Putin aired that message to the Ukrainian military as Russia offered to begin negotiations with the Ukrainian government — but it proposed for the meeting to take place in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, which is part of a “union state” with Russia. Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko allowed Russian forces to launch their attack on Kyiv from Belarusian territory, while Zelensky appealed for volunteers to join Ukrainian forces.
“If you have a combat experience in Europe and do not want to look at the indecision of politicians, you can arrive in our state and protect Europe with us where it is now urgently required,” he said. “And now, I want to address the armed forces of Ukraine. Stand firmly. You are all we have. You are everything that protects our state.”
Zelensky has also said the Ukrainian border guards who defied a Russian warship prior to a bombardment would “be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden’s administration echoed that praise more generally while warning about a new disinformation campaign.
“We commend the Ukrainian people for showing strength and determination in response to an unprovoked attack by a significantly larger military,” the U.S. official said. “We have seen Ukrainian soldiers demonstrate incredible bravery in the first day of fighting, shooting down Russian aircraft, firing at tanks, and holding many of their positions while under heavy attack. We are concerned, however, that Russia plans to discourage them and induce surrender through disinformation.”
