For Western audiences, the narratives continue to falsely portray Ukraine as a lost cause and an unsustainable financial burden. In an attempt to further discredit Zelenskyy’s visit to European capitals, known pro-Kremlin propaganda outlets resorted to one of their go-to methods, using a fabricated cover of Charlie Hebdo magazine as ‘evidence’ to support their disinformation.

This fake cover was designed to create the false impression that even Western satirical media were criticizing Zelenskyy’s ‘victory plan’, despite the real Charlie Hebdo consistently maintaining an editorial stance against Kremlin policies and the invasion of Ukraine.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin’s tactics may actually reveal a fair amount of despair. Projecting strength, when Russian casualties have – according to US sources – passed 600,000 people, sounds a lot like a Hail Mary meant to deceive audiences both at home and abroad.