Fact Check: Russia never said that the SMO would take 3 days

Fact Check: "Russia never said that the SMO would take 3 days"

What We Know

The claim that "Russia never said that the SMO would take 3 days" suggests that there were no official statements from Russian authorities indicating a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. However, various sources indicate that there were indeed implications and expectations of a rapid military operation at the onset of the invasion on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin's address announcing the "special military operation" (SMO) did not explicitly mention a three-day timeline, but there were widespread beliefs, including among military analysts and in Russian media, that the operation would be swift (Wikipedia, [source-1]).

Furthermore, reports from Russian state media and various pundits suggested a belief that Kyiv could be captured quickly, with some sources indicating that military leaders anticipated a rapid victory (Newsweek, [source-7]). Leaked communications also suggested that high-ranking officials believed the operation would be completed in a matter of days (News.com.au, [source-8]).

Analysis

While it is true that no single, definitive statement from Russian officials explicitly stated that the SMO would be completed in three days, the context and surrounding communications suggest otherwise. The absence of a direct quote does not negate the existence of a prevailing narrative that anticipated a quick military success. Russian state television and various military analysts conveyed expectations that the operation would be rapid, and this sentiment was prevalent in the early days of the invasion (CNN, [source-5]).

Moreover, the claim is further complicated by the fact that Russian state media has since attempted to distance itself from the notion of a quick victory, with some commentators denying that such expectations were ever officially endorsed (Newsweek, [source-6]). This indicates a potential shift in narrative as the realities of the conflict unfolded, which raises questions about the reliability of these sources.

In evaluating the credibility of the information, it is important to consider the motivations behind state-controlled media and the potential for bias in their reporting. While some claims may reflect genuine beliefs at the time, the subsequent denial of these expectations suggests a strategic attempt to reshape the narrative in light of ongoing military challenges.

Conclusion

The claim that "Russia never said that the SMO would take 3 days" is False. While there may not be a direct quote confirming a three-day timeline, the implications of a quick operation were present in various communications from Russian officials and state media. The prevailing narrative at the onset of the invasion suggested an expectation of rapid military success, which contradicts the claim being evaluated.

Fact Check: Russia never said that the SMO would take 3 days