Russians and Ukrainians are deeply connected. Millions of Ukrainians have relatives in Russia. Many have lived in the country.But Moscow has taken steps to shield its people from open information about the war, even as its bombing campaign intensifies.When Ukrainians try to explain the dire situation to family members in Russia, they are often met with denial, resistance, and a kind of refusal to believe.Guest: Valerie Hopkins, a correspondent for The New York Times, currently in Ukraine.Have you lost a loved one during the pandemic? The Daily is working on a special episode memorializing those we have lost to the coronavirus. If you would like to share their name on the episode, please RECORD A VOICE MEMO and send it to us at [email protected]. You can find more information and specific instructions here.Background reading: A wave of disinformation has emanated from the Russian state as the Kremlin tries to shape the messages most Russians are receiving.At the same time, the last vestiges of a Russian free press are being dismantled.Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, subscribe to our newsletter. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
People in Ukraine are experiencing a misinformation campaign from Russia, as many of them are trying to tell their relatives in Russia about the bombing and invasion, but they are met with denial and resistance instead. Valerie, a reporter, has been hearing shocking stories about the misinformation campaign from Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Russia has seen significant street protests in large cities since the invasion of Ukraine began. Many people, including those in the West, saw this as Russia's chance to create democratic institutions, and there was also a loss of national pride.
Putin has consolidated his power over the last two decades, bringing the national media to heel and silencing criticism. The state ordered some of the last remaining independent media outlets to stop broadcasting.
Mayors from the towns of Niproprudne and Mediopol were reportedly abducted by Russian forces in Ukraine. Mediopol's Russian-appointed replacement urged residents to adapt to the new reality and stop resisting occupation, while the city has been without basic necessities and experiencing heavy bombings for over 10 days.