Rainer Saks: Putin's Simplified Propaganda Points to Loss of Control in the Kremlin

Security expert Rainer Saks analyzes how Vladimir Putin's recent propaganda tactics have become increasingly primitive. Saks argues this signals a weakening of the Kremlin's strategic control over the information space. The shift became particularly evident following the Ukrainian president's public disclosure of a letter.

Security expert Rainer Saks writes that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently attempted to convince journalists that Russian army achievements are impressive, air defenses are functioning effectively, and the Oreshnik attack has not actually been carried out at all — all this following the Ukrainian president's public disclosure of the letter in question. According to Saks, this line of argument betrays serious difficulties the Kremlin faces in maintaining a credible narrative.

Propaganda has become more simplistic

According to Saks, a notable shift in Russian propaganda messaging has occurred since May 9 — the messages have become strikingly more primitive and contradictory. In the expert's view, this is a clear sign that the Kremlin is no longer capable of maintaining coherent and strategically calculated control over the information space. Instead of the carefully calibrated narratives of previous years, hastily cobbled-together explanations are now being offered that raise more questions than they answer.

Saks emphasizes that claims related to the Oreshnik are a particularly striking example. Putin claimed that the "real" Oreshnik attack has not yet taken place — such phrasing tends to provoke mockery rather than trust in the international media. According to the security expert, this is a sign that the Kremlin is attempting retroactively to redefine its earlier threats because they have failed to produce the desired effect.

Control over the information space is weakening

Saks's analysis, associated with right-wing movements, points to a broader trend: Russia's effectiveness in information warfare is declining precisely when it should be at its strongest. The mounting military pressure in Ukraine and continued Western support have forced the Kremlin to adjust its messaging at an increasingly rapid pace, which in turn undermines its credibility. Propaganda that can no longer consistently support its own previous claims begins to lose influence even among Russia's domestic audience.