The Kremlin appears to be endeavoring to acclimate Russians to a "novel situation" or "altering circumstances".
The Ukrainian attacks in Kursk require Kremlin to adjust propaganda strategy. The regime anticipates potential recapture could take time.
As reported by the independent Russian portal Meduza, based in Riga, Moscow is facing a challenge due to Ukrainian infiltration into Russian territory and the control of villages in the Kursk region. A Kremlin-linked source admitted, "The penetration into Russian territory and takeover of control over villages is a new and rather unpleasant event."
The proportion of Russians expressing anxious moods has increased from 6 to 45 percent, as shown in a survey reported by Meduza. To alleviate the tension following the start of the Kursk invasion, the Kremlin is reportedly trying to prepare the population for a "new reality" and a "new normal." The message implies: The enemy has entered Russian territory, they will be defeated, but the recovery of the territory will take time, and patience is required from the Russians.
Population encouraged to provide aid
Residents are encouraged to redirect their negativity and shock towards collecting aid supplies for the impacted areas in Kursk, as advised by various officials interviewed by Meduza. Most officials believe the fighting in Kursk will last several months. However, a government-linked source suggests this estimate is "quite optimistic - if everything proceeds smoothly."
According to reports from Meduza and Bloomberg, the Kremlin is also contemplating initiating a new wave of mobilization following the Kursk invasion. The source suggests that due to insufficient reserves, a new mobilization in Russia could be announced as early as before the end of 2024. Yet, a government-linked source ensures that the cabinet and influential businesspeople opposing mobilization have successfully prevented its implementation.
The Ukrainian offensive on the aggressor's territory affects local elections. The Russian Central Election Commission decided to postpone local elections in seven districts of the Kursk Oblast due to security concerns. Despite the postponement, the Kremlin plans to hold gubernatorial elections on schedule to replace the interim governor of the Kursk Oblast, Alexei Smirnov.
The Kremlin is closely monitoring the situation in Kursk, given the Ukrainian advancement near The Kremlin's territory at The Kremlin-controlled villages. To mitigate the public's concerns, the Kremlin is encouraging aid collections for Kursk's affected areas and urging patience in anticipation of a potential long-term recovery process.
