Russia is reportedly threatening the use of violence against the families of Ukrainian troops in an effort to “induce surrender,” US government officials said, according to The Gazette.
“Our information indicates Russia is creating a disinformation campaign by publicizing false reports about the widespread surrender of Ukrainian troops,” a U.S. official told reporters. “Our information also indicates that Russia plans to threaten killing the family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender,” he added, the news outlet reported Friday.
The news comes as Russian forces continue a brutal attack across Ukraine, including the capital city of Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made an overt call for the Ukrainian military to “take power in your own hands” by turning on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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President Zelensky reportedly told European leaders that “this might be the last time you see me alive,” Axios reported.
Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak told reporters that Russia intends “to enter Kyiv and liquidate the leadership of Ukraine, personally Volodymyr Zelensky.”
