Ukrainian intelligence issued a strong warning over a potential Russian attack on the city of Uman, where many Jews visit during this time of year to pray at the gravesite of a famous rabbi.
The concerns arose after intelligence sources in Kyiv noted that Russia began disseminating disinformation about supposed Ukrainian plans to harm Hassidic pilgrims visiting Rebbe Nachman's grave during Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), which begins this weekend.
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The Center for Countering Disinformation in Kyiv issued guidelines stating that official Russian media outlets have started publishing reports accusing Ukraine of planning to harm the pilgrims in order to "blame Russia." Ukrainian officials suspect that these reports might be a precursor to a Russian "false flag" operation.
Video: The siren is heard in Uman, Ukraine.
"The Center for Countering Disinformation urges the public not to fall for foreign manipulations, to heed air raid warnings, to follow security regulations, and to rely only on verified and reliable sources," reads the Ukrainian announcement.
It is anticipated that 11,000 Hassidic Jews will visit Rebbe Nachman's grave in the city of Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Although Uman, situated in central Ukraine, is hundreds of kilometers away from the front lines, it has been targeted by the Russian Air Force in the past.
In April, a Russian cruise missile struck a residential building in the city, resulting in 23 fatalities.
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