The war against Ukraine launched by Russia is becoming a factor of irritation in the regions of the aggressor country. Information about the fighting, broadcast by Russian propaganda, is increasingly causing fatigue and dissatisfaction among the local population, rather than enthusiasm, as it was at the beginning of the invasion.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the press service of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
According to the intelligence officers, one of the reasons for such changes is the discrepancy between the information disseminated by the regime and the real situation: the level of losses during the war is becoming increasingly difficult to conceal, and resources for combat operations are being exhausted. This, as the DIU noted, is evidenced, in particular, by Moscow's active preparations for a record tax increase in its history.
According to the Kremlin's plan, under the guise of a "progressive personal income tax scale," the budget contributions will increase for Russians earning more than $2,200 a month. The income tax rate will increase from 20% to 25%. The Russian regime estimates that the so-called “tax reform” will raise about $200 billion between 2025 and 2031.
"The disappointing dynamics of public sentiment monitored by the Kremlin is forcing the Russian military and political leadership to prepare the population to "tighten their belts" and respond - regional representatives of the Putin regime are already trying to shift the focus from irritating military issues to “rapid” solutions to social and domestic problems," the DIU said in a statement.
The intelligence claims that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's servants from Moscow, including party members, have been sent "to the people" to organize various events to support participants in the war against Ukraine and their families, participate in receptions of citizens, and develop and discuss demonstrative social bills: to support volunteering, raise wages, and protect veterans.
"A special place here is occupied by 'support' for the disabled, whose number is constantly growing due to the war against Ukraine. In particular, for those injured during the occupiers' hostilities, the Russian authorities are seeking to develop domestic tourism. For example, the minimum number of spaces for the disabled in Russian parking lots is now 15%," the DIU notes.-
Russia has also ordered the allocation of so-called "Vereshchagin cards" to participants in the war against Ukraine - vouchers worth 15 thousand rubles, which can be used to buy tickets to cultural institutions throughout the year.
In general, as the DIU concludes, the intensification of the "social" activities of the aggressor state indicates an attempt to channel discontent and avoid uncontrolled social explosions in Russia.
Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 13/07/2024