Russian propaganda is actively spreading the theses: "the first stage of the special operation has shown results," "denazification is proceeding according to plan," and "Donbas can count on security," according to the Center for Counteracting Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

"It is already clear that the so-called withdrawal of troops in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions is nothing more than a redeployment. According to CNN, citing U.S. intelligence data, Russia is now shifting its focus to demonstrate the May 9 victory in eastern Ukraine," according to a Facebook post.

At the same time, the Center notes, these will be only interim results of a protracted war, since Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to celebrate his own victory on May 9, regardless of what the real situation in Ukraine will be.

"Ukraine is aware that even against the backdrop of tough economic sanctions and the defeat of the blitzkrieg plan, Russia will not stop its attempts to seize the entire territory of our state. The shift in the battlefield does not mean that Russia will stop resorting to air attacks with long-range missiles and aircraft throughout the rest of Ukraine," the message says.