Hackers have dealt a humiliating blow to Vladimir Putin after breaking into state TV and posting a video blaming the Kremlin supremo for the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin exerts a vice-like grip over Russian media, having cracked down heavily on independent channels and journalists alike.
Many Russians still get their news from state TV channels, which are particularly closely controlled.
In a major propaganda coup for Kyiv, hackers were able to broadcast a video that said Putin forced Ukraine to invade Russia.
The clip then reminds Russians of the Soviet Union’s previous military campaign in Afghanistan, which ended in defeat and humiliation.
A narrator says the current war in Ukraine would end in the same way – with thousands of dead soldiers and shameful defeat.
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and waged a decade-long campaign there, as it battled jihadis.
The last military column pulled out of Afghanistan in February 1989, which eventually fell under the control of the Taliban in 1996.
In total, the Soviet army suffered around 15,000 deaths and 35,000 wounded during its ill-fated military campaign.
By contrast, Putin’s army has sustained horrific numbers of casualties, which continue to grow apace every day.
Ukraine‘s army estimates that the Russians have lost over 600,000 soldiers – dead or wounded.
Hackers were also able to interrupt official TV scheduling in May during the Victory Day parades.
Russia celebrates the end of World War II on May 9 a major national holiday each year.
The internet activists posted a video that broadcasted images of the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall.
In addition, the video showed evidence confirming electoral fraud, and photos of Russian soldiers fighting against Ukraine with the person’s name and the word “murderer” emblazoned on each one.
The hackers announced Putin’s impeachment, accusing him of “starting a war with the closest people [to us]”, and inaction during the terrorist attacks.