Off-message Russian state television pundits branded ‘traitors’ for criticizing Ukraine war

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“He thinks himself to be a man of the people,” wrote one social media user of Mr Shakhnazarov. “But he is a traitor.”

“I’m angry! During war, such speeches are a betrayal!” Another user wrote, appearing to forget that talk of war is banned in Russia and has been replaced, officially, by the euphemistic “special operation”.

One person went further still, writing: “Two more traitors to the Fatherland are calling for surrender, and there are still so many more of the b——–. Tough purges are needed.”

State television is a key propaganda weapon for Putin in his battle to win the information war over his invasion of Ukraine.

He has appeared keen to keep the realities of the war from the Russian public, which generally has strong business, friendship and family ties with Ukraine.

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