Russische Propaganda en de Oorlog in Oekraïne (2014-heden)

Russian Propaganda & The War in Ukraine

Analysis of narratives, channels and reality (2014–Present)

Source: Compilation of news sources and historical data

What is the goal?

Domestic: Maintain support for the regime and the war.

Foreign: Sow division in Europe and the US.

Method: Drown the truth in a flood of conflicting stories.

Source: EU vs Disinfo & Analysis of Russian state media

2014: The foundation is laid

Maidan protests lead to annexation of Crimea and war in Donbas. Kremlin frame: 'Protecting Russian speakers against aggression'. Deployment of 'little green men' (soldiers without insignia).

Source: UN Reports & OSCE Monitoring Missions

The 'Denazification' Lie

Putin claims Ukraine is ruled by 'Neo-Nazis'. This is the main pretext for the invasion.

Fact-check: President Zelensky is Jewish and lost family in the Holocaust. Far-right parties won less than 2% of the vote.

Source: Reuters Fact Check & World Jewish Congress

Symbolism: The Letter 'Z'

From military marking to national symbol of support. Visible everywhere: tanks, billboards, schools. Also called the 'Zwastika' by critics.

Source: Russian Ministry of Defense & public sources

Channels of Distribution

State TV: Daily talk shows (Solovyov, Skabeeva) preach hatred against the West.

Telegram & BOTS: Huge networks of anonymous channels and 'troll armies' spread disinformation without fact-checks.

Source: The Insider & Investigative Platform Proekt

Censorship: 'Special Military Operation'

In Russia, you cannot call it a 'war'. Spreading 'fake news' (anything deviating from the state narrative) carries up to 15 years in prison. Independent media are banned or have fled.

Source: OVD-Info & Amnesty International

Impact: Who believes what?

Older Russians rely mainly on state television, while younger people use social media more and are more skeptical. Yet support for the 'operation' remains ostensibly high, partly due to fear.

Source: Levada Center (Independent Polls)

The Contrast: Ukraine vs. Russia

Zelensky (Ukraine)

Informal, outdoors in Kyiv, selfie-style, direct communication with citizens. Message: 'We are here'.

Putin (Russia)

Distant, extremely long tables, pre-recorded videos, formal settings. Message: 'Everything is going according to plan'.

Source: Visual analysis of official press releases

Conclusion & Media Literacy

In wartime, information is a weapon.

Be critical: Who is the sender? What is the interest?

Fact check via independent sources (e.g., Bellingcat, Reuters).

Source: Bellingcat & Pointer

Questions for the Class

What were the Russian soldiers without insignia in Crimea in 2014 called?

What was the original meaning of the letter 'Z' on the tanks?

What important tip did we give to recognize fake news or propaganda?

Source: Content of this presentation