Ukrainian Ombudsman Warns of Russian Plans to Foment Unrest in Major Cities

Allegations of Destabilization Efforts Emerge

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on December 8, 2025, that Russian intelligence services are allegedly planning to destabilize Ukraine through a series of what they term 'peaceful protests' or 'anti-war protests' in several major Ukrainian cities. These alleged actions are intended to create internal unrest and pressure the country's leadership amidst ongoing consultations between Ukraine and the United States regarding potential conditions for ending the war.

Targeted Cities and Recruitment Tactics

According to Lubinets, the planned protest actions are expected to target significant urban centers across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv. The strategy reportedly involves recruiting participants primarily on a 'material basis,' focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, particularly mothers of Ukrainian servicemembers who are either prisoners of war or missing in action. Russian intelligence reportedly expects these tactics to:

• Create a necessary emotional backdrop.
• Generate significant media attention.
• Provoke public resonance.

Broader Hybrid Warfare Context

These alleged plans align with Russia's broader strategy of hybrid warfare, which has historically included cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and political subversion aimed at undermining Ukraine's stability. Ukrainian intelligence has previously identified Russian information campaigns, such as 'Maidan-3' in 2024, designed to spread doubt about the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The current alleged efforts are seen as an attempt to reinforce a false narrative that the Ukrainian government lacks public support.

Call for Vigilance

Ombudsman Lubinets emphasized the importance of public awareness and vigilance, stating, 'We must be clearly aware that Russia will continue trying to strike at what is most sensitive — our trust, unity, and the families of our defenders.' He urged Ukrainians not to allow the exploitation of human tragedy as a tool in Russia's information warfare against the nation. This warning comes as Russia reportedly seeks to exploit people's pain and vulnerability to destabilize the domestic political situation and exert pressure on Ukraine's military and political leadership.