Ukraine’s Disinformation Chief Urges Russian Men of Draft Age to Leave the Country by September.

Andriy Kovalenko’s Statements on the War in Ukraine

According to UATV: On July 19, 2023, Andriy Kovalenko—head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council—declared that Moscow has chosen to prolong the war rather than pursue peace. He stressed that Russia intends to wage a war of attrition, a strategy that will ultimately worsen conditions for its own people. Kovalenko called for a change in Russia’s leadership, stating:

“Putin must be removed, the regime must be changed, and dialogue for peace must begin.”

Economic Fallout from the Conflict

In addition, he advised Russian citizens of military age to leave the country before September, citing the possibility of a full-scale mobilization. Against this backdrop, Russian billionaires have accelerated the transfer of assets abroad; since the start of 2023, tens of billions of dollars may have already been moved out of Russia. This capital flight highlights the nation’s troubled situation and the mounting uncertainty felt by both businesses and the general population.

Kovalenko’s remarks reflect not only the political landscape but also the economic reality inside Russia, where continued warfare could severely undermine state stability.

These developments point to a deepening crisis in Russia that could intensify if hostilities persist. The outflow of capital and calls for regime change signal growing discontent among the business elite and the public, potentially paving the way for social and political transformation. How events unfold will depend on a range of domestic and external factors, including how the international community responds to Russia’s actions.