Russian Propaganda Spread Through ‘World Parliament’ Platform, Ukrainian Vice Speaker Claims

Russia Continues to Leverage Inter-Parliamentary Union for Propaganda, Ukrainian Official Says

Russia is actively using its presence at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), often referred to as the “World Parliament,” to maintain international legitimacy and spread its own narratives about the war in Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian parliamentarian.

In an interview with Ukrinform, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Kornienko highlighted how Moscow exploits this diplomatic platform as one of the few international forums where it still maintains representation following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Russia uses the IPU platform for its own purposes, including to sustain its legitimacy and promote its version of events, including through propaganda tools,” Kornienko explained. “This is one of the few platforms where Russia is still represented.”

The IPU, founded in 1889, serves as a global organization of national parliaments aimed at promoting democratic governance and international cooperation. Unlike many other international bodies that have limited Russian participation since the invasion began, the IPU has no mechanism to expel or suspend member delegations.

Kornienko expressed particular concern about the effectiveness of Russian propaganda efforts at the international level. “Unfortunately, many countries and entire regions are still either under the influence of Russian propaganda or simply do not fully understand the true causes of the war and the nature of this conflict,” he said. “Some are still unaware of Russia’s imperial ambitions and its desire to seize and destroy our state and the identity of Ukrainians.”

The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation has voiced strong disapproval regarding the conduct of IPU President Tulia Ackson, who has made multiple visits to Russia and met with President Vladimir Putin. Kornienko noted that despite these trips to Moscow, Ackson has not visited Ukraine during her term, which ends in November.

This diplomatic imbalance reflects broader challenges Ukraine faces in international forums where Russia maintains influence. The IPU’s structure allows for participation from all countries regardless of ongoing conflicts, meaning Ukrainian representatives must regularly engage in spaces where Russian officials are present and actively working to shape the narrative around the war.

Diplomatic analysts note that Russia’s strategy of maintaining presence in organizations like the IPU forms part of its wider effort to prevent international isolation. By participating in multilateral forums, Russia can project an image of diplomatic normalcy despite facing sanctions and criticism from many Western nations.

Kornienko emphasized the critical importance of Ukraine’s information campaign across all international platforms to counter Russian narratives. The Ukrainian delegation to the IPU has been particularly active in this regard, working to ensure that evidence of Russian aggression and war crimes reaches a global audience of parliamentarians.

International relations experts point out that the IPU situation mirrors challenges at the United Nations, where reform efforts have stalled partly due to Russia’s permanent Security Council membership and veto power. Both institutions face criticism for structural limitations that prevent them from responding effectively to clear violations of international law by powerful member states.

The Ukrainian government continues to advocate for reforms to international bodies that would create stronger mechanisms for accountability. In the meantime, Ukrainian officials like Kornienko maintain that active participation and information sharing in forums like the IPU remains essential, despite the frustration of sharing these spaces with representatives of the aggressor state.