Anonymous telegram channels distribute supposedly photo messages with a request not to “chop wood in apartments and stairwells” and “not to destroy living quarters”. Like, Ukrainians are asked to observe the rules of propriety. The text of the "message" is written in Russian in the style of Soviet propaganda posters.

In fact, this picture has nothing to do with Ukraine. This is the content of Russian entertainment and humorous sites, distributed since 2016. Propagandists are dragging Russian content into the Ukrainian space that ridicules Russian problems, and using it to subconsciously reinforce the thesis in the readers of telegram channels that the situation in Ukraine is as difficult as possible.

Immediately after the appearance of invincibility points, which were introduced for Ukrainians suffering from the lack of light and heat due to Russian shelling, Russia launched a disinformation campaign against them. At first, Russian propagandists and anonymous telegram channels wrote that the points were not effective at all, and even “provoked” the enemy to strike, because they were unprotected and they had a lot of people. Then - that three people have already died at the invincibility point in Kharkov - although this is a refuted fake. Now, telegram channels supervised by Russian military intelligence are spreading unconfirmed information that men are issued a draft notice at points of invincibility.

This information appeared on the Internet, in particular on the YoTube channel of a blogger who previously spread fakes and manipulations on COVID-19. The user notes that the Verkhovna Rada proposed a bill allegedly regulating the permanent shutdown of mobile communications and the Internet at the request of the authorized body. However, this is not true.

Vox Ukraine specialists investigated this case and found that the blogger misinterpreted the provision of the document. Analysts note that the blogger quoted excerpts from bill No. 8185, which was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on November 7.

The document refers to the addition of Article 43 of the Law “On Electronic Communications”. In particular, the bill proposes:

“To allow the use of radio electronic means or emitting devices for special purposes in order to temporarily restrict electronic communication in certain areas in order to eliminate the threat from drones”.

It was this point that the blogger interpreted as the one “regarding civilians”. However, in fact, all proposals are about communication to eliminate the threat from drones.

This message was spread across the network by propagandists in their telegram channels. Reports say that Kharkiv residents died from carbon monoxide poisoning in one of the points of invincibility. They say that the authorities have neglected the safety rules of Ukrainians, so there are already the first victims. As evidence, the propagandists attach supposedly screenshots of real materials on Ukrainian information resources. However, this is not true.

According to Vox Ukraine experts, this is fictitious news. And the screenshots of the materials were edited by means of graphic editors. The editors of a number of publications and news agencies, in particular, Ukrinform, confirmed that such news had never been published on their websites. In response to an information request, the speaker of the chairman of the Kharkiv military regional administration said that the information about the death of three people was not true.

Propagandists are spreading fake news to intimidate Ukrainian society and convince them that supposedly no one cares about them. Recently, the occupiers have added the phrase “points of mediocrity” to their dictionary of the new language, which hints at their desire to devalue and defile the efforts of the state to help the Ukrainians.

Pro-Russian telegram channels write about this. Like, in recent days, Ukrainian officials and opinion leaders have been so actively discussing possible missile strikes and “frightening” Ukrainians with their consequences that “there can be only two explanations for this.” Either they are trying to “repel” the desire of the Russians to strike, or, which is supposedly “most likely”, they are deliberately “provoking and asking for it”. Allegedly, this is how the Ukrainian authorities plan to hide their own mistakes and shift the blame to the Russians.

Russian missile strikes actually have worse consequences every time, because Russia deliberately hits the Ukrainian energy system with massive rocket attacks. In particular, those objects, the repair of which is long-term and requires significant financial costs. Naturally, officials and experts are trying to explain the consequences of the strikes already inflicted and analyze possible options for the further development of the situation. Understanding the real realities is necessary in order to prevent unnecessary panic and irrational actions of Ukrainians.

Such messages have been spread by Russian propagandists in telegram channels over the past few days. As proof, they use screenshots of posts from the telegram channel "Kyiv Dvizh" (Kyiv movement).

They say that Kyiv was left without electricity, people are panicking, it is impossible to withdraw cash and there are no places where you can recharge phones or other gadgets. In fact, propagandists would like an atmosphere of despair and helplessness to prevail in the capital of Ukraine. But the real picture is quite different. Among the dozens of reports on the impact of a power outage on the city on the Kyiv Dvizh channel, there are only two pessimistic photographers: on one of them, after rocket attacks, people began to queue up at one of the ATMs, because the other ATMs did not work without a power outage, and in supermarkets they accepted only cash; one of the establishments in Kyiv really taped the outlet. At the same time, all the other messages on this channel were about how people support each other, how cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and even pharmacies allow the use of sockets and electrical cords, how the people of Kyiv pay for each other in cash so that no one is left without the necessary thing. Propagandists filed isolated cases for mass ones in order to show a paralyzed Kyiv, sow panic among Ukrainians and cause people to revolt against the government, which allegedly led to a blackout due to the fact that it did not agree to Russia's ultimatum.

Russian media and pro-Russian telegram channels write that Ukraine, without electricity, allegedly “traveled in the Middle Ages” or “into the Stone Age.” It seems to be an "apocalypse in the dark." Like, Ukrainians organize annihilation in supermarkets and even kidnap foreigners for ransom. It is not true.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported that the crime situation did not worsen due to the power outage. Also, the presence of the National Police, automobile and foot patrols, was tripled on the streets. Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported that in the first half of 2022, the crime rate in Ukraine decreased by 25% compared to the previous year.

Russian propagandists are shocked by how courageously and unbendingly all of Ukraine is going through the third day of blackout, as Ukrainians, instead of criticizing the authorities and blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi for all the troubles, share tips on social networks on how to survive in dark times and help each other.

In this regard, Russian anonymous telegram channels launched messages that the Ukrainian authorities allegedly record the growth of rebellious moods in society due to the blackout, but in order to muffle them, they convince people to be silent and endure. Like, the one who meekly accepts the lack of electricity, communications and water is the best patriot.

With such messages, propagandists want to incite Ukrainians to take to the streets and protest against the authorities, and not to be obedient. It seems that if they do not do this now, it will be even worse in winter, and only the Office of the President is to blame for everything.

Such information is disseminated by Russian propaganda media. It is also being shared on social media, in particular, in anonymous telegram channels. Reports say that the Resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency is allegedly "unprofessional", "politicized" and "inappropriate". Also, the Russian media called the Resolution, which refers to the problems at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), which is still occupied by Russia, inadequate and allegedly “giving Kyiv the right to shell” the ZNPP. However, this is fake.

This message is spread by anonymous pro-Russian telegram channels. In particular, by those that, according to the Security service in Ukraine (SSU), are controlled by Russian intelligence. The reports say that the “Points of Invincibility”, in which Ukrainians can stay warm in the conditions of emergency power and heat outages and charge electrical appliances if necessary, is an absurd invention of the Office of the President. Reports state that these points are not protected by anything at the time of missile strikes. Like, they even provoke the enemy to launch a missile attack, because they become a place of mass congestion of people. The authors of such messages even suggest that if an enemy missile hits one of the points, this will be a good informational occasion. In fact, the “Points of Invincibility” are needed by people who, due to rocket attacks on infrastructure, were left without electricity, water supply and communications. Such points were deployed in most cities of Ukraine, so that residents in the conditions of long blackouts could warm up at these locations, recharge gadgets or warm up food or drink tea.

This is the thesis that pro-Russian users share in social networks. It was also distributed by a number of pro-Kremlin propaganda media. Reports say EU High Representative Josep Borrell has called on all Europeans to turn off the heating in their homes.

Like, the Europeans were actually asked to freeze to death so that “democratic ideals” would not suffer. “We are faced with a choice between freedom and comfort. We talked a lot about the willingness to die for the ideals of democracy, it's time to prove it”, propagandists quote Borrell. And they add that, allegedly, according to him, the temperature in apartments above +18 degrees is a crime against European values.

However, this is not true. EU vs Disinfo analysts found that EU High Representative Josep Borrell did not make such a statement. It spread from the @lastoppo telegram channel of political and satirical content, the information about which indicates that satirical and false information is published on the channel. However, Russian propagandists picked up this fake and decided to pass it off as the truth.

At the same time, several EU governments have indeed urged their citizens to lower their heating temperatures in order to reduce gas dependence on Russia. However, it does not mean that people are encouraged to freeze to death for the sake of the ideals of democracy. In fact, Russia is systematically spreading the thesis that the Europeans will not survive the coming winter because of the sanctions imposed against Russia. In this way, propagandists nourish two Russian narratives: about a decaying Europe and about sanctions that allegedly harm the EU more than Russia.

Also, due to such theses, Russia intimidates Europeans and creates the appearance that without the help of Russia itself, European governments cannot provide comfort and protection for their citizens.

Russian media and telegram channels write that power outages in Odesa are due to “switching to Western Ukraine''. In confirmation of this fact, anonymous comments are allegedly cited by local residents who allegedly found out about this at “Oblenergo”. They also add that allegedly the authorities once again neglect the interests of the southeastern part of Ukraine in favor of Western residents. This is not true.

As StopFake writes, Odesa is really suffering, but not from “electricity transmission to Lviv”. On November 15, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko said that 15 objects were damaged. On the same day, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Chairman of the Board of NPC Ukrenergo, announced emergency power outages throughout the country.

A few days later, the mayor of Odesa, Hennadii Trukhanov, announced that emergency shutdowns of energy consumers continued to stabilize and balance the city's energy system. This fact was also confirmed by DTEK “Odesa Electric Networks”, the operator of the electricity distribution system in the city. According to DTEK, as a result of damage by Russians to Ukrainian power grids, emergency power outages were applied to more than 70% of the Odesa region.

Now 55 repair teams are working in the region to restore power supply. By the morning of November 19, power supply was resumed in 400,000 houses in the Odesa region.

Russian propaganda deliberately uses the situation to promote the narrative about the division of Ukrainians by region of residence. Earlier they wrote that there are “more and less important” areas for the Ukrainian authorities.

Allegedly, Ukraine has increased its export revenue by 2.5 times due to the fact that electricity is cut off in many regions. Such information is disseminated by the Russian media and propagandists.

In fact, the export of electricity from Ukraine was stopped on October 11, 2022 by the decision of the Ministry of Energy, immediately after the first Russian attack on the energy system. By this time, from January to October 2022, Ukraine has indeed increased its revenue from electricity exports by 2.5 times, or by $326.9 million compared to the same period in 2021, to $542.514 million.

Propagandists used this data, allegedly in Ukraine they not only export electricity abroad, but also increased revenue. Like, it caused massive blackouts.

"Such speculation is a vivid example of disinformation and an element of the information war waged against us by the enemy", they say in the Kyiv regional military administration.

Russian media and pro-Russian telegram channels write about this. They say that the “real” goal of the Ukrainian authorities is not to obtain electricity, but to terrorise and create a “dirty bomb”. Also, allegedly Ukraine will be used for the disposal of nuclear waste. It is not like that.

Ukraine, the US, Japan and South Korea will cooperate to build a small nuclear reactor. This became known on November 12. This will help Ukraine improve the country's energy security. It will take two years to complete the project.

According to StopFake, small nuclear reactors are used to generate electricity. They have nothing to do with nuclear weapons. Most of these small reactors are installed underground, which is also an advantage in the face of possible rocket attacks.

Such news is spread by propagandists and anonymous telegrams. Reports say that Russia is allegedly only targeting military infrastructure, resulting in power outages in residential buildings. However, this is a substitution of facts.

According to experts from the Center for Countering Disinformation, Russia is shelling the energy infrastructure of Ukraine in order to leave Ukrainians without electricity and heat in the winter. That is, the occupiers are destroying civilian infrastructure.

In addition, the military infrastructure does not power civilian homes as it is designed to ensure the current military activities.

Telegram channels from a network run by Russian intelligence are promoting the following message: Ukrainians have suffered because of the decision of the President's Office to restore power as soon as possible. Firstly, their equipment breaks down, and secondly, this will lead to fires and big problems with the energy system. This is manipulation.

Firstly, because the Office of the President does not turn on or order the lights to be turned on after massive shelling by the Russian army. This is done by the state enterprise Ukrenergo together with local services, as well as the DTEK concern. They bring light to homes whenever possible, they also turn it off: sometimes according to the schedule to stabilize the system, sometimes in an emergency - after damage to the system and before it is restored.

Secondly, this manipulation is an attempt to blame the Ukrainian government or the president for blackouts in order to divert attention from the main culprit, that is, Russia. Ukrainians now often live without electricity due to the fact that Russia is massively shelling the objects of the energy system of Ukraine, it has been doing this systematically since October 10th. This is a war crime for which Russia is responsible. And the Ukrainian government and the power industry itself are trying to restore this system after the destruction. Unfortunately, the situation is critical. And fires occur in Ukraine not because of the voltage fluctuations, but because of Russian missiles.

Pro-Russian telegram channels write about this. They say that in big cities the situation is critical due to damage to energy, water and heat supply systems. However, the government is irresponsible, does nothing and is silent. This is not true.

The authorities have been talking about the difficult winter period for a long time. After rocket attacks on October 10, when 30% of Ukraine's energy system was damaged, such reports have become more frequent. The authorities, both at the central and local levels, informed the Ukrainians that it was necessary to stock up on drinking and technical water, candles and other essentials.

On the air of TV channels, radio stations and other media there are numerous explanations and recommendations for Ukrainians. The government also launched the state program "DrovaYe" (We have firewood) and exempted goods "important for the heating season" from VAT and import duties. At the local level, alternative sources of water supply are being developed in case of an emergency.

Pro-Russian telegram channels write about this after massive rocket attacks on November 15, 2022. They say that more than 90 missiles were fired in Ukraine, of which 70 were shot down. In total, they hit 15 energy infrastructure facilities.

In fact, Russian propaganda uses several manipulations at once. In order to achieve mass defeats, Russia has to produce several times more missiles. Therefore, all missiles fired are “counted”, and not just those that hit the target. Indeed, some regions, but not all of Ukraine, remained without electricity, water and heat supply.

Deliberate targeted attack on the civilian population or individual civilians who do not participate in hostilities and deliberate attack on civilian objects are war crimes. By spreading such messages, Russian propaganda indirectly confirms that the Russian army is deliberately committing war crimes and deliberately destroying critical infrastructure.

This is written in social networks and telegram channels. The reports allegedly refer to messages from the chairman of the board of NPC Ukrenergo. It is not true.

According to NPC Ukrenergo, scheduled outages will continue in Kyiv and in a number of other regions until the completion of the relevant repairs and the restoration of the ability of the power grid to transmit additional power to these regions, which they need.

As the Center for Counteracting Disinformation writes, many telegram channels disseminated messages with an incorrect interpretation of the words of the chairman of the board of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytskyi on the air of the United News marathon and subsequently wrote a refutation of their own messages.

Manipulations are spreading on social media that power cuts in Ukraine, which had to be imposed as a result of Russian rocket attacks on energy facilities, are unfounded.

Allegedly, private entrepreneurs receive "surplus profits" from this and therefore turn off electricity to people on purpose. Cases of manipulation on the network drew the attention of the fact-checker of the NotaYenota project. According to data from DTEK, which fact-checkers managed to obtain, the losses occur not in the production of electricity, but in its distribution.

“There were minor damages at some of the TPPs that were quickly recovered. That is, we are talking about the fact that the same amount of electricity is produced as before the massive shelling of the infrastructure, but it is problematic to transfer it for consumption. Since the terrorist actions of Russia damaged critical facilities that transmit electricity from production stations to the place of consumption”, the message says. In addition, the distribution of electricity generated by nuclear, thermal or hydroelectric power plants is carried out in the network of NPC "Ukrenergo" (state-run enterprise) through high-voltage switchgear from 110 kV and above (150 kV, 220 kV, 330 kV, 750 kV) . Private regional distribution companies have networks and substations with a voltage class of up to 110 kV.

Their networks are designed to receive electricity from main networks with high voltage, convert this voltage to a level that consumers can accept (0.4 kV or 220 V) and directly transfer it to consumers. That is, government facilities were damaged. NPC "Ukrenergo" also performs the functions of the main dispatch center. The execution of any dispatcher commands for all other participants in the electricity market is mandatory. Under current conditions, all outages occur either as a result of accidents or at the command of the dispatcher (rolling outages).

This can be a drawn up proven schedule for some period of time (depending on the amount of capacity utilization and provision). In the current conditions, this is basically a given instruction, which is formed depending on the situation. Indeed, less electricity is used at night than during the day, but still this is too much for those lines that remained unscathed”, the fact checkers explain. They add that the delivery and use of electricity should go to zero: that is, how much is produced and how much is used. If 10 GW is produced, the same amount must be consumed. Today it is possible to deliver only a certain amount of electricity (it is not enough even for the less peak hours). So, throughout the day there are outages for balancing. However, it is beneficial for Russia to spread the manipulation that Ukraine is turning off the electricity to employees so that private companies can profit, and not because of Russia's criminal actions. Thus, Russia seeks to make itself not guilty and seeks to discredit the leaders of Ukraine. Like, they don't care about the conditions in which Ukrainians live. 

Russian media write about it. Like, in Ukraine, against the background of the energy crisis caused by Russian missile strikes on the country's energy infrastructure, a new 30% tax was introduced on the import of generators from abroad. Netizens comment that it is not a sin for “sincere patriots” in power to make money on the complicated circumstances of people. This is not true.

As StopFake writes, the Government of Ukraine has not introduced a new tax as the norm on taxation of goods imported into Ukraine over 500 euros has existed since at least 2012. Moreover, due to the energy crisis caused by Russian missile strikes against Ukraine's infrastructure, on November 8, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the government had decided to abolish import taxes on generators, transformers, batteries, etc.

According to the Center for Counteracting Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council, a flash mob with the hashtag #LightOnZelenskyyOff was launched on Twitter and Viber. It was called a flash mob against Zelenskyi's policy, and within it they call on November 01 to turn on the lights as much as possible. The flashmob was picked up by Russian media and in their messages they claim that Ukrainians massively disagree with the policy of the Ukrainian authorities to save electricity.

The Center reports that most of the accounts called “Ukrainians” are indeed bots, which is confirmed by the translation of the Russian-language text of messages into Ukrainian.

For example, “half of the country is already without power supply, there is already no strength to endure these hellish torments!” translated as "half of the country is already without food, there is no urine to endure this hellish flour!".

Russian media and anonymous Telegram channels actively reacted to the news that the air defense forces of Ukraine destroyed 44 missiles from more than 50 Russian missiles launched today in 10 regions of the country.

Allegedly, the Security Service of Ukraine will figure out all those who published photos or videos of the results of Russian missiles hitting infrastructure objects. It is because the actual destruction situation will allegedly become known, and the authorities won't be able to promote themselves on the high percentage of downed missiles.

Propagandists try to provoke Ukrainians to publish photos of "arrivals" on infrastructure quickly and thus help the Russian military. The Russians cast doubt on the success of the anti-aircraft defense, claiming that most of the missiles hit the target and destroyed the "intended objects."

The words of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal are cited as proof that the rockets damaged 18 facilities, most of which are energy facilities. In fact, today, during the massive missile attack, the air defense forces showed one of the best results of their work since the beginning of the full-scale war; this is about an 80% success rate. Without the work of air defense, the consequences could have been much worse.

The propagandists know what results they wanted to achieve with today's attack. Their target isn't military facilities but critical civilian infrastructure, the damage of which will affect the entire population of Ukraine. Russians tried to ridicule air defense work because it prevented them from realizing their target. Thus, they create a shadow around the successful result of Ukraine in repelling the morning missile attack by Russia.

Such messages are spreading on social networks. It`s fake.

"Ukrenergo" is the transmission system operator and does not work with consumers; therefore, it doesn't notify when each consumer or small settlement is disconnected. Accordingly, "Ukrenergo" didn't create applications for electricity consumers.

"Ukrenergo" dispatchers only have information about the power system's general consumption level and each power node. Only operators of distribution systems (Oblenergo) have information about the consumption of individual consumers or settlements. They are the ones who disconnect consumers according to the parameters provided by Ukrenergo. So, during crises, Ukrainians should trust only official sources of information.

Throughout power outages, this source is Oblenergo. Only Oblenergo can draw up any schedules of consumer restrictions and information about them or where exactly this information can be found. Oblenergo can report the outage through an announcement on the website, in the consumer's account, or their chatbots in Telegram or Viber.

The fact-checkers of the NotaYenota project drew attention to the spread of messages. Reports of attacks on energy facilities and government officials' statements about problems with the power system after the attacks are used for advertising other Telegram channels from this network. The posts use the manipulative term "energy alarm" and write that you can follow this "alarm" by choosing the appropriate area. However, the link contains another Telegram channel from the same network, to view which you need to subscribe. There is no expected information about outages on the canals. "Detector Media" wrote about similar manipulative advertising to expand the audience of Telegram channels. In a week, the Russians destroyed 30% of Ukrainian power plants, so the load on the power grid increased significantly. Despite the restoration work, the authorities ask to be responsible for electricity consumption and, if possible, not to turn on energy-consuming appliances during "peak" hours.

We remind you that information about mass power outages or schedules should be sought on official resources, particularly on the website of Ukrenergo and notifications of local authorities. By spreading such messages, propagandists try to increase panic among Ukrainians and influence the work of the Ukrainian energy system from the inside. That is why the old fake about the need to turn off all electrical appliances at night and fake messages about emergency shutdowns began to spread again.