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The Evolution of Russian Propaganda: From “Crucified Boy” to Olympic Disruption
Russian propaganda against Ukraine has undergone significant transformations during the twelve-year conflict, according to political analyst Oleg Saakyan. What began as narratives portraying Ukrainians as inept has evolved into sophisticated information warfare with far-reaching implications.
Even before armed aggression began in 2014, Russia had deployed propaganda mechanisms targeting Ukraine. The initial narratives focused on creating an image of Ukraine as a nation captured by “neo-Nazis guided by the West.” A particularly notorious example was the “crucified boy” story—a completely fabricated report aired on Russian state television in July 2014 that was designed to inflame public opinion against Ukraine.
“Before 2014, Russian propaganda pushed theses about Ukraine being captured by the West, attempting to dehumanize Ukraine and present it as a threat,” Saakyan explains. “Since 2014, the narrative shifted to Ukraine’s alleged ‘non-subjectness’ and the ‘one people’ concept that must be saved. By 2022, it had evolved into an operation of ‘punishment’ for a supposed genocide of Russian speakers in Donbas.”
Saakyan notes a significant shift in Russian messaging over the past year. As battlefield realities contradict initial Russian predictions of a swift victory, propagandists now claim Russia is fighting “not just Ukraine but the entire world.” This narrative conveniently justifies Russian military failures and their inability to achieve stated objectives.
Perhaps most tellingly, this shift represents an indirect acknowledgment of Ukrainian strength. “Initially, Ukraine was portrayed as completely non-subject and unable to fight—they claimed it was all ‘Anglo-Saxons and Polish battalions’ fighting for Ukraine. Now they acknowledge our strength, but in a particular way: ‘Ukrainians are still Russians, such as we are, and that’s why they too can fight,'” Saakyan observes.
This reluctant recognition stems from core Russian cultural values, according to the analyst. “The universal measure of social hierarchy in Russia is solely strength. Key cultural, social and political practices are based on violence: the stronger one is right, fear means respect. Russians are beginning to understand that Ukraine has power, and accordingly they have to reckon with it.”
A cornerstone of Russian propaganda success has been the creation of what Saakyan calls “newspeak”—language that distorts reality. “For example, ‘green men’ are not called occupiers, but something almost comical. ‘Separatists’ instead of collaborators and Russian agents. In European culture, separatists are typically viewed positively—they fight colonizers for independence. Russians replaced the phenomenon and created narratives that distorted the perception of reality.”
Modern Russian propaganda represents an evolution beyond 20th-century methods. Rather than presenting a cohesive worldview with clear definitions of good and evil, it operates on undermining the concept of truth itself. “Modern postmodern propaganda, where Russians are almost pioneers, has advanced significantly in both theory and practice. It doesn’t bear a ready-made picture of the world. Its task is to eat away trust like acid,” Saakyan explains.
This approach has proven devastatingly effective. By promoting the idea that “there is no truth” and encouraging people to “not believe anyone,” propaganda creates an environment where finding reality becomes increasingly difficult—a significant victory for those seeking to control the information space.
The analyst points to a recent example of Ukrainian resistance to this propaganda machine: athlete Vladyslav Geraskevich and his “helmet of memory.” This disrupted Russia’s carefully constructed Olympic narrative. “For years they worked to send as many Russians as possible to the Olympics under the flags of other countries. The key narrative was that Russians compete with Russians, that the Olympics are impossible without Russians,” Saakyan says.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine has developed active responses to Russian information warfare. These include creating alternative narratives, focusing on authentic stories of citizens, and highlighting athletic achievements that undermine Russian myths.
Experts emphasize that countering propaganda requires rapid dissemination of factual information, independent analysis of events, and understanding how manipulation works. Critical thinking, fact verification, and recognizing fake news mechanisms are essential for preserving an accurate picture of events in the face of aggressive information warfare.
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14 Comments
The ‘crucified boy’ story is a chilling example of the blatant disinformation Russia has used. Fabricating such graphic false reports to inflame emotions is a disturbing propaganda tactic.
Absolutely, it’s a clear attempt to dehumanize Ukraine and justify Russia’s actions. Fact-checking and calling out these lies is crucial to counter the impact of such propaganda.
The scale and sophistication of Russia’s information warfare is alarming. Monitoring the evolution of their propaganda tactics is important to understand the full scope of their efforts to shape the narrative.
Yes, it’s a complex and multifaceted campaign that goes far beyond simplistic falsehoods. Analyzing these trends is crucial for mounting an effective counter-response.
Fascinating to see how Russia’s propaganda narratives have evolved over the course of the conflict. It’s concerning how they’ve become more sophisticated and far-reaching, though not surprising given their track record.
Yes, the shift from simplistic portrayals to more nuanced information warfare is quite alarming. It highlights Russia’s willingness to deploy advanced propaganda tactics to sway public opinion.
The evolution of Russia’s propaganda reflects their determination to wage an information war alongside the military conflict. Identifying these trends is crucial for exposing their true motives.
Agreed. Carefully analyzing the shifting narratives can help counter the impact of their propaganda and provide a more accurate understanding of the situation.
It’s concerning how Russia’s narratives have evolved to portray Ukraine as lacking agency and needing to be ‘saved.’ This ‘one people’ concept is a dangerous justification for their invasion.
Agreed, this shift in rhetoric is particularly insidious as it tries to frame the war as a ‘rescue mission’ rather than an unprovoked aggression. Debunking these false narratives is vital.
This analysis provides valuable insights into the strategic shifts in Russia’s propaganda over time. It’s a sobering reminder of the lengths they will go to justify their actions and demonize Ukraine.
Absolutely. Staying vigilant and calling out these manipulative tactics is essential to prevent Russia from controlling the narrative and obscuring the realities on the ground.
It’s concerning to see how Russia has refined its propaganda techniques over time, moving from simplistic stories to more sophisticated information warfare. This highlights the need for robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts.
Absolutely. Combating disinformation requires vigilance and a multifaceted approach. Ongoing analysis of propaganda trends can inform more effective strategies to push back against Russia’s narratives.