Russia is using delays in attacks to exert psychological pressure, says a Defense Ministry spokesperson

Russia is employing not only missile and drone strikes but also methods of psychological influence on Ukrainians. One such tactic involves deliberately delaying attacks after signs of preparations for shelling have appeared. That is why citizens are advised to respond to air raid sirens every time and not to disregard safety rules.

This was reported with reference to remarks made by Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, during a conversation with journalists at the international forum “Security Architecture.” 

He emphasized that Ukrainians are responding correctly to warnings of possible attacks and preparing for them, as such signals cannot be ignored in wartime.

"Of course, this is also an element of pressure and psychological influence—demonstrating readiness for shelling, then delaying or postponing it. It is clear that this is the enemy’s tactic—to combine direct military pressure with psychological pressure on Ukrainians," Yusov explained.

He noted that Ukrainians have been living under conditions of full-scale war for over four years, and accumulated fatigue is also one of the factors Russia is counting on.

The GUR representative says that despite such actions by the enemy, the Security and Defense Forces are preparing for every possible shelling. Intelligence continues to gather information and pass it on to the state’s military and political leadership.

At the same time, he advised civilians to take air raid sirens seriously and not to neglect safety measures.