Ukraine Warns Media Over Participation in Russian-Occupied Territory Propaganda Tours

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned international media participation in Russian-organized propaganda tours of occupied Ukrainian territories, warning of legal and reputational consequences for those involved. Concurrently, Russia claimed its September 28 missile and drone strikes targeted military-industrial facilities, despite causing civilian casualties including deaths and injuries in multiple Ukrainian regions. In neighboring Moldova, Ukrainians are vulnerable to Russian propaganda, especially ahead of parliamentary elections, with Kremlin-backed narratives widely accessible and influencing public opinion. Reports revealed that Orthodox priests in Moldova were recruited through financially incentivized pilgrimages to Russia to create pro-Kremlin Telegram channels disseminating anti-Western and misleading content. Additionally, Russian propaganda falsely accused Ukrainian forces of satanic rituals, a claim widely debunked and criticized as part of Moscow's disinformation efforts. These developments reflect ongoing Russian attempts to manipulate information and influence public perception amid the conflict and regional elections.