Russian propaganda will exploit Borshchahivka clashes, expert warns
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Moscow will promote a narrative portraying the Nov. 2 incident
in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka (a Kyiv suburb) as a “catastrophic” event,
Ukrainian political analyst Andrii Horodnytskyi told NV Radio on Nov. 3.
Horodnytskyi also suggested that Ukrainian intelligence
services may have overlooked the presence of Russian agents of influence in
Ukraine, as has happened in Europe.
“Regarding figures such as Mr. Honcharenko, Danylo
Hetmantsev [Ukrainian MPs advocating for settling the war on any terms] and all
the others who are now talking about peace throughout the world and saying that
we should end the war on any terms: This is a huge disaster because these
figures should not be making such statements. They do not inspire any trust,”
he said.
“Knowing Mr. Honcharenko, he is quite an intelligent person,
but without any principles or moral standards — the right kind, I mean. So, of
course, there are certain problems that the Russians will exploit and pressure,
using these kinds of deviant figures. Usually, it is either in exchange for
gifts or very big promises that everything will be wonderful for them.”
According to Horodnytskyi, the incident in Petropavlivska
Borshchahivka will hurt the country’s international standing.
“Because the Russians will portray this same situation in
Borshchahivka as something catastrophic: ‘Look at what they are doing to
Ukrainian men before sending them to war,” the analyst said.
“All of this will have a negative impact on all of us and on
Ukraine overall. Why support them if this is how they treat their own people?”
On Nov. 2, reports appeared in the media that
National Guard troops were on the grounds of a house in Petropavlivska
Borshchahivka, including men who may have left their military unit without
authorization. Locals then gathered near the house and tried to break down the
gate and enter the grounds.
Kyiv Oblast police denied reports of illegal detention of
people and of a death. Law enforcement did confirm that they received a call
from workers of a "private ambulance" who were being prevented from
reaching a patient.
National Guard commander Oleksandr Pivnenko also arrived at
the scene. He said troops who had been returned to their units after leaving
without authorization were in the building. Four of them had been hospitalized
at that point.
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