Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a hybrid affair involving direct military intervention, economic coercion and a massive information offensive. In many ways, this information aspect has been the most effective element of the entire campaign. It has been a complex affair, involving the sledgehammer of the Kremlin-controlled Russian-language media alongside a more subtle array of soft media assets in the West to create an overall narrative which demonizes Ukraine and justifies Russia’s invasion of its southern neighbor.
Internationally, the Ukrainian fascist narrative has also proved surprisingly durable.
Against this cacophony of Russian disinformation and distortions, Ukraine has struggled to make itself heard. Domestically, the Ukrainian media has done a good job of debunking the Kremlin narrative – to such an extent that one of the top priorities of insurgent forces in recent months has been the disconnection of Ukrainian TV channels in areas under separatist control. However, in Russia itself and in the wider world, Ukraine has struggled to project its version of events. Part of the problem is Ukraine’s general lack of credibility.
Other projects may soon appear which will help to counter the Kremlin narrative. American TV executives are reportedly eyeing a possible Russian-language TV channel which will counter Russia’s propaganda efforts. There is also talk of a similar Russian-language TV news channel being produced by countries in eastern Europe who feel threatened by the Kremlin’s information war against Ukraine. However, for the time being, Russia looks set to drown out rival narratives, both at home and abroad, thereby muddying the informational waters and undermining Ukraine’s efforts to galvanize international resistance to Putin’s new imperialism.