Forest fires have ravaged Russia since the annexation of Crimea, but the Kremlin may be using them to distract from its war defeats 

Since 2014, the number and area of forest fires in Russia have increased several times compared to the previous twenty years, even according to official statistics. However, despite material and human losses, such a situation can benefit the Russian authorities, as it allows them to quickly distract public attention from the war against Ukraine to internal problems. As the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian front worsens, the Kremlin will increasingly incite "fire" panic in the regions.