Thread by @RitaKonaev

Ukraine is giving a masterclass in how to shape the information environment in your favor. I want to note some truly inspiring messaging and explain why unfortunately these sentiments & appeals could be clouding our assessments of whats coming. 1/10

While Russia is absolutely failing to land its false and poorly constructed messaging internationally, Ukrainians have managed to garner massive global support by linking their country's survival w/ that of democracies around the world. 2/10

While Russia is executing a criminal, unprovoked war, Ukrainians are effectively highlighting heroism against awful odds, while preserving humanity in the face of Russian brutality. 3/10

Ukrainians are embracing international reporters caught in the onslaught on their cities to tell their stories, at a time where Russia is suppressing press freedom more than even before the war. 4/10

The contrast could not be more clear. And right now, international public opinion is resolutely on Ukraine's side, and for good reason. This support is driving up pressure to deliver aid, to keep paying attention, and to punish Russia, again, all for good reason. 5/10

What makes me nervous though is that this well deserved and entirely justified Ukrainian victory on the information front could be fueling false optimism and clouding judgement about where this is headed. 6/10

My fear is that in the next few weeks or months we'll be seeing Russian aerial and artillery bombardments of Ukrainian cities causing massive devastation and displacement. 7/10

And while Ukrainian heroic resistance will continue, probably longer due to sustained Western support, I think this ends w/ a ceasefire partitioning the country. 8/10

I realize this is a cynical, pessimistic interpretation and it is entirely too early to know how or when this ends. And maybe this is defeatism, and more than anything, I hope I am entirely and absolutely wrong. 9/10

But I cant stop thinking that the West is luring itself into a false sense of optimism b/c of Ukraine's heroic defiance which could inadvertently prolong this conflict through false hope for an impossible scenario. 10/10