In a recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), it was revealed that Russian state media is preparing the public for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, potentially lasting until 2034.
10 Year War
According to Ziare the report highlights how Russian propagandists are instilling the belief that the continuation of the war is necessary to achieve the country's objectives.
The ISW report scrutinizes comments made by Dmitri Medvedev, Vice Chairman of Russia's Security Council.
Medvedev suggested that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's prediction of Ukraine joining NATO within the next decade is unrealistic. He asserted that by 2034, Ukraine would no longer exist as a state.
While Medvedev did not explicitly state that Ukraine would cease to exist by 2034, Russian state media quickly twisted his words.
Outlets like TASS published sensational headlines such as "Medvedev admits Ukraine will not exist by 2034" and "Medvedev predicts Ukraine's disappearance by 2034."
Several Purposes
This manipulation serves several purposes. Firstly, it sets the stage for a protracted war, promoting the narrative that Russia will achieve its goal of dismantling the Ukrainian state within the next ten years. This creates expectations among the Russian public that the war, though long, will ultimately result in victory.
Moreover, this narrative undermines any claims by Kremlin officials about negotiating peace with Ukraine. Medvedev's statements on Telegram were explicit: Russia's goal is not peace but the annexation of Ukraine. He emphasized that only by completely destroying the Ukrainian state can the supposed threat from Ukraine be eliminated.
The ISW report concludes that neither Ukraine nor the West can realistically expect negotiations with Russia on favorable terms. As long as Russia's objectives include the annihilation of Ukraine and its people, the prospects for peace remain grim. This analysis highlights the need for the international community to remain vigilant and prepared for an extended conflict in the region.
