Ukrainian Army Prohibited from Employing the Term ‘Retreat,’ Cites American-Operated Media : Analysis

Kiev’s military instructs soldiers to avoid using the term “retreat” in communication with the press, aiming to maintain a positive narrative in discussions with journalists, a Radio Free Europe reporter revealed. Ukrainian troops have been directed to use terms like “offensive” and “victory” instead. This directive reflects broader communication challenges within the military, with local commanders hesitant to report difficulties to higher-ups for fear of retribution. Despite efforts to present a unified front, soldiers on the ground joke about reporting they are “advancing on the Dnieper” to highlight the disconnect between official statements and actual battlefield conditions. Ukrainian President Zelensky has acknowledged the possibility of retreat in the face of overwhelming odds, given manpower and logistical challenges. Recent reports of desertions and plans for further troop mobilization underscore the strain on Ukraine’s military. The internal reporting restrictions may serve to shape public perceptions of the conflict’s progress amidst Russian advances in Donbass.

Analysis:
The article discussing Kiev’s military instructing soldiers to avoid using the term “retreat” in communications with journalists raises concerns about the transparency and accuracy of information being shared with the public. The directive to use terms like “offensive” and “victory” instead of the accurate situation on the ground reflects an attempt to control the narrative and maintain a positive image, potentially misleading the public.

The credibility of the sources, such as Radio Free Europe, and the focus on the disconnect between official statements and realities on the battlefield suggest a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the military in Ukraine. The article highlights the reluctance of local commanders to report difficulties and the potential consequences of reporting unfavorable information to higher-ups, indicating a systemic issue within the military.

The article acknowledges President Zelensky’s recognition of the possibility of retreat due to manpower and logistical challenges, showing a more realistic assessment of the situation compared to the sanctioned communication guidelines. Reports of desertions and plans for troop mobilization further emphasize the strain on Ukraine’s military and the internal struggles it faces.

In the era of fake news and biased narratives, the article underscores how controlling information can shape public perceptions of the conflict’s progress, especially amidst Russian advances in Donbass. The dissemination of potentially misleading or incomplete information can impact the public’s understanding of the situation and may contribute to misinformation or skewed views of the reality on the ground.

Considering the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, this article highlights the importance of critical thinking and verifying information from multiple sources to gain a more accurate understanding of complex conflicts and events. The public’s perception can be influenced by the curated narratives presented by authorities, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in communication, especially in times of conflict.

Source: RT news: Ukrainian army banned from using word ‘retreat’ – US-run media