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Alongside official propaganda, a part of Russian public opinion is increasingly expressing doubts about developments in Ukraine and about Moscow's ability to achieve its objectives.
"No more time for triumphalism." This is the literal translation of the headline with which the Russian daily Izvestia commented on the departure of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. This headline best summarizes the change in tone that is being observed in some parts of the Russian media and public opinion.
Of course, the official narrative and propaganda remain unchanged. As the state-run RIA Novosti agency writes, "the Kiev regime has not resisted and the discord has turned into a rebellion against Zelensky. Meanwhile, its leaders feel that the end is inevitable and ever closer; therefore, they are desperately reaching out to grab everything they can."
However, if one looks deeper at that part of Russian public opinion that has recently been trying to analyze developments without fully adhering to the Kremlin's line, doubts and uncertainties emerge.
One example is Moskovsky Komsomolets, a newspaper known for its loyalty to the official line, which this time eschews the usual propaganda rhetoric. When asked whether Fedorov's departure should be seen as positive news, the newspaper replied:
"In general, in some respects we should definitely envy our enemies, and in some cases even take their example. Look at Fedorov. He is only 35 years old and it is no coincidence that he clashed with the old guard. It cannot be denied that he has achieved successes."
Just a few months ago, such an assessment of a senior Ukrainian official would have been unimaginable in the Russian media.
This is not an isolated view. Even Aleksandr Kots, one of the most prominent pro-war bloggers and a commentator for the newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, finds it difficult to speak with the same certainty about a Russian victory.
"After unexpected protests, both domestically and from the West, Zelensky pulled Yevhen Khmara, the interim head of the SBU, a general and commander of the Alpha unit, out of the "hat". His unit is responsible for the Kiev regime's bloodiest "special operations" against civilians. The massacre of spectators at Crocus on March 22, 2024. The murder of Darya Dugina near Moscow. Explosions on the Crimean bridge. The organization of Operation "Spider Web", drone strikes on our strategic airports on June 1, 2025. Publicly, Khmara speaks only one language: "invaders", "Russian aggression", "our special operations are rewriting the manuals of secret services around the world". He is an officer who does not even consider negotiations as an object of study, while civilian casualties for him are just a side effect... What does this mean for us? The Ministry of "The defense of Ukraine will not be led by a reformer, but by someone whose profession is to carry out terrorist attacks and kill civilians on our territory."
The increasingly visible emergence of these doubts about the progress of the war constitutes a new development and indicates that the mood of a part of Russian public opinion is changing.
Roman Alyokhin, one of the patriotic bloggers known for his more rational analyses and who has therefore been declared a "foreign agent" by the Russian authorities, goes even further by openly expressing distrust in the capabilities of the Russian military apparatus.
“Who and what is in our interest to be at the head of a country that is at war with us? Wouldn’t it be worse if Fedorov were to overthrow Zelensky, whom we at least know well? In any case, this is precisely the moment when we can and should drive a wedge into the rift that is opening up in Ukraine. This is exactly what a hybrid warfare expert would do. It would be a gift to us. If only we knew how to wage a hybrid warfare.”
Thus, it seems that two lines of thought are increasingly clearly discernible in Russia. The first is that dictated by the authorities, represented by RIA Novosti, which continues to use a triumphalist and propagandistic language.
"The circle of those allowed to feed in the "Ukrainian manger" is narrowing more and more. When animals are left in a pit, they very quickly begin to tear each other apart. Good luck! We will soon send you our Gerans." (The Geran is a heavy Russian drone).
On the other hand, there are increasing voices that are trying to see beyond propaganda and, within the limits they are allowed, confront the reality of the war and its consequences./ Corriere della Sera
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