Thread by @anders_aslund

Media need to find a new way to report Kremlin statements, clearly indicating that since the Kremlin has said it, the opposite is probably true.
Examples:

1. Putin says that he is not going to invade Ukraine (before Feb 24).
Translation: Putin says he is going to invade Ukraine.
2. Putin says that Russia complies with international law.
Translation: Putin says that Russia ignores international law.

3. Putin says that Russia is not bombing hospitals or civilian installations.
Translation: Putin says that Russia is targeting hospitals and civilian installations.

4. Putin accuses Ukraine and the US of developing biological arms in Ukraine.
Translation: Putin is considering using biological arms in Ukraine.

5. Putin accuses Ukraine of planning to use a dirty bomb in Ukraine.
Translation: Putin is considering using a dirty bomb in Ukraine.

6. Putin states that he has always been open to negotiations about Ukraine.
Truth: Putin has refused to even talk to Zelensky after December 2019.
Translation: Putin is losing & hope somebody else will stop the successful Ukrainian offensive & offer Putin parts of Ukraine.

7. Putin denies that he has ever questioned the need for good relations with Ukraine.
Translation: Putin has for the time being given up his hope to annihilate the Ukrainian nation.

Usually, Putin just states the opposite of what is true, but his latest statements also indicate that he realizes that he has lost and had better to opt for some minimum achievement. Still, it makes no sense to talk to such a liar & terrorist.

For journalists, the task remains to clarify that every statement from the Kremlin is likely to be a lie.
They should label all Kremlin statements:
"Since this is a statement by the Kremlin, it is likely to be a lie."