What Russians are told — and not told — about Ukrainian strikes

Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia reveal a significant information gap between official narratives and public perception. While authorities report civilian damage, military targets often go unmentioned. Most Russians rely on state media, which downplays military losses and emphasizes civilian impacts. Independent media provide more detailed accounts but reach fewer people. When strikes occur close to home, citizens begin to question official explanations, leading to skepticism about the effectiveness of air defenses. Despite this, calls for ending the war remain low, indicating a complex relationship with the conflict. Overall, many Russians remain unaware of the war's true nature and the challenges faced by their military.