Sarts does not rule out creation of a completely alternative reality in Russia in connection with the success of its armed forces in Ukraine

RIGA - The creation of a completely alternative reality in Russia in connection with the success of its army in Ukraine cannot be ruled out, Janis Sarts, the head of NATO's Strategic Communication Center of Excellence (Stratcom), told Latvian Television today.

Commenting on the announcement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia has launched a large-scale offensive in the Donbas region of Ukraine, Sarts said Russia was very hesitant to launch a large-scale offensive, thus allowing Ukraine to prepare to allow the West to deliver weapons to win the battle. According to him, this was a serious strategic mistake on the part of Russia.

"Of course, those battles will be intense, they will be concentrated in one area," Sarts said, adding that they will be severe and have a large number of casualties.

According to him, the events in Ukraine so far show that the Russian army is meant more for parades, not really for fighting. However, Russia will try to create a story about its victory in Ukraine on May 9, "which may not be very successful for them".

"We have to reckon that the Kremlin's ability to take Russian society into an Orwellian world is considerable. It is possible that even with great losses and no victories they will portray the situation as a great success. I do not rule out the creation of a complete alternative reality,'' said Sarts.