What Russia says about Ukraine in the West
We analyse pro-Russian outlets aimed at Western audiences, which anti-Ukraine narratives they push, how they work, and how to counter them.
Amplifying the sense of Ukraine's "international isolation" by exaggerating diplomatic disputes
Routine policy debates in the EU and US regarding budgets, migration, or historical memory are cast as the inevitable collapse of Western support and a final rupture in relations. Isolated statements from opposition figures or complex stages of EU accession talks are inflated into a narrative of Ukraine's total global isolation.
Predicting the inevitable “betrayal” of Ukraine by Western allies
Western nations are portrayed as hypocritical actors preparing to abandon Kyiv due to self-interest or fatigue. This framing focuses on historical disputes and economic hardships as evidence that aiding Ukraine is “suicidal” for Europe.
Discrediting mobilization by emphasizing corruption and “hopelessness”
The Ukrainian mobilization system is portrayed as a deeply corrupt structure where service can supposedly be avoided only through large bribes. Propagandists inflate isolated petitions and private opinions to create an illusion of total social resistance and state desperation, suggesting the government is ready to conscript even childless women.
Attributing the role of a source of global terrorism and instability to Ukraine
Ukraine is portrayed as an uncontrollable aggressor that attacks civilian vessels and commits crimes abroad. These messages aim to convince the world that supporting Kyiv only fuels international chaos and threatens the security of third countries.
Attributing “terrorism” and war crimes against civilians to Ukraine
Ukrainian defense forces are portrayed as a terrorist group that deliberately targets civilians and critical infrastructure. These messages aim to shift the responsibility for humanitarian disasters onto Kyiv and justify Russian aggression as a “defensive” measure.