Vilseledning i praktiken : Vilseledning i praktiken

This study examines whether Barton Whaley’s theory of strategic deception remains valid in modern warfare. The 2022 Ukrainian Kharkiv counteroffensive is analysed as a case study using a theory-testing qualitative research design. Timeline analysis and content coding are applied to identify deception methods and evaluate their impact on Russian strategic decision-making. The findings show that Ukraine employed both baited gambit and multi-option strategies to achieve surprise, enabling successful manoeuvre warfare that resulted in significant territorial gains and Russian losses. The study confirms the relevance of Whaley’s theory in a modern context, despite advanced technologies such as satellites and drones that characterize today’s transparent battlefield. This research contributes to military theory by demonstrating the continued effectiveness of strategic deception in contemporary conflict environments.