"Check how much of a man you are." In Tatarstan, videos from the war zone are regularly distributed, luring people into war.

Such materials are distributed through numerous Telegram channels and social media groups affiliated with the republic's budget-funded media outlets. The wave is usually initiated by the Tatmedia holding company.

The manipulative techniques used are primitive, but quite effective. The visuals in these videos are roughly the same: well-equipped soldiers, comfortable dugouts with a TV, a delicious dinner on the table. And a few spectacularly filmed artillery launches.  

Volunteers from the Alga and Timer battalions explain what they've forgotten on Ukrainian soil. "We're protecting our families, our children, our mothers and fathers." "Why am I here? They only left us alone when Russia, in a single impulse, came to the invaders' homes and reminded them that it was best not to disturb us." "Better us than us. I don't want mines flying around at home like that, and people suffering."

Most often, the military speaks two languages, Russian and Tatar, so that the hearts of the Tatars respond more strongly.

One of the most successful manipulations: if you don't want to go to war, you're not a man. "Come and see how much of a man you really are. Hiding behind hospitals, getting medical certificates—that's not manly behavior. We need to drive out all the evil spirits, like these incomprehensible LGBT people, and create a decent world," says the soldier, hiding his face.

Tatarstan residents are being assured that more and more people are willing to join the war every day, and that the conditions of service are "excellent." People are being offered at least a short-term contract, or even a one-year contract. Meanwhile, human rights activists say it's practically impossible to leave the army now; during mobilization, contracts are automatically extended.  

But the propaganda videos say nothing about losses. Meanwhile, Mediazona confirmed 447 Tatarstan residents have already died.