Debunking Russian Narratives on Neocolonialism: An Analysis for MENA Countries
* * * * * * Debunking Russian Narratives on Neocolonialism: An Analysis for MENA Countries Russian propaganda in the MENA region, particularly in media and diplomatic spaces such as the Russian embassy’s website in Cairo, promotes narratives of a “struggle against neocolonialism” to position Russia as a defender of global justice. This rhetoric often centers on criticizing Western powers—namely the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—blaming them for historical and contemporary colonial crimes. This article juxtaposes Russian narratives with historical truths, exposing Moscow’s hypocrisy and its actual role in colonial and imperial systems, both in the past and in the present. Russia and the Berlin Conference: Concealed Responsibility for Colonialism Russia was an active participant in the Berlin Conference (1884–1885), during which European powers delineated the division of Africa. Although Russian propaganda often omits its involvement in this narrative, Moscow signed and ratified the General Act of the Conference, which established the principles for the colonization of Africa, including: The Principle of Effective Occupation – requiring actual control over colonies. Free Trade on the Congo River and its Basin – ensuring open commercial access. The Ban on Slave Trade – a seemingly humanitarian measure that legitimized colonial exploitation of Africa’s resources. It is important to emphasize that the United States, present at the conference only as an observer, did not sign these agreements. In contrast, Russia fully accepted the European colonial order established at the conference. Russia and the USSR as Imperial Powers: Expansion and Colonization Over Centuries Like other colonial powers, Russia pursued an aggressive policy of expansion and colonization from the 18th century onward, with effects that are still felt today. During the era of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, Moscow’s actions toward subjugated nations were imperialistic in nature, leading to systematic exploitation of resources, Russification, and the destruction of local cultures. In the modern era, Russia continues to regard these territories as part of its “sphere of influence,” exemplifying its neocolonial ambitions. Examples of Russia’s Imperial Policy: Central Asia: Colonization of Nations: Nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan were colonized as part of Russia’s eastward expansion. Kazakhstan was colonized starting in the mid-18th century, Uzbekistan from the mid-19th century (with Russia capturing Tashkent in 1865), and Turkmenistan was ultimately conquered in 1884. Russification and Economic Exploitation: These regions were subjected to Russification and economic exploitation, with their economies subordinated to the needs of the empire. Contemporary Neocolonial Influence: To this day, Russia seeks to maintain its influence in Central Asia through economic and political dependencies, such as control over energy resources and military alliances. This reflects Russia’s ongoing neocolonial ambitions in the region. 2. The Caucasus: Annexation and Militarization: In the 19th century, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan were annexed by the Russian Empire, initiating a process of assimilation and military domination over the region. Repression and Forced Displacement: Russian policies included repression of local traditions and identities, as well as mass deportations of populations, particularly in Muslim-majority areas such as Chechnya and Dagestan. Modern Neocolonial Approach: Contemporary Russia views the Caucasus as a strategically crucial region and treats it through a neocolonial lens. This is evident in its suppression of local independence movements, such as those in Chechnya. 3. Poland and the Baltic States: Territorial Annexation: Following the partitions of Poland (late 18th century), Russia seized Polish territories as well as present-day Lithuania, Belarus, and right-bank Ukraine. The territories of present-day Latvia and Estonia were incorporated into the Russian Empire after the Great Northern War (1700–1721). Russification Policies: In the 19th century, Russia implemented forced Russification, introducing the Russian language in schools and administration, suppressing local religions (e.g., Catholicism in Poland), and imposing harsh reprisals on efforts to regain independence. Contemporary Neocolonial Ambitions: Despite these nations regaining independence after the fall of the USSR, Russia continues to regard them as part of its historical sphere of influence. This is evident in ongoing attempts at political interference, economic pressure, and disinformation campaigns. The USSR – A Colonial Empire Disguised as Internationalism Although the Soviet Union proclaimed anti-colonial ideals, it effectively pursued imperialist policies toward nations within its sphere of influence: Forced Relocations: Millions of people from the Caucasus, Crimean Tatars, and other ethnic groups were deported to Siberia or Central Asia. Economic Exploitation: Peripheral regions were exploited as sources of raw materials for the center (Moscow), while remaining economically underdeveloped. Russification: The imposition of the Russian language and suppression of national identities mirrored Western colonial practices in Africa. Modern Hypocrisy of Russia Russian propaganda leverages anti-colonial slogans to gain support in the MENA region, accusing the West of colonialism. However, the facts reveal that: Russia’s Neocolonial Policy Towards Its Republics and Peripheries: For years, Russia has pursued policies that can be described as internal neocolonialism, characterized by the exploitation of natural resources in its republics and resource-rich regions inhabited by nations with distinct cultural and ethnic identities. The profits from this exploitation flow primarily to the center of power—Moscow—while local communities remain impoverished, marginalized, and deprived of autonomy. A closer examination of Russia’s current colonial policies reveals: Economic Exploitation: Resource-rich regions, such as Siberia and the North Caucasus, are heavily mined and drilled, with revenues channeled to Moscow while local infrastructure and living standards lag behind. Suppression of Autonomy: Efforts to centralize control prevent regional governments from independently managing their resources or political systems, maintaining systemic inequality. Cultural Assimilation: The imposition of Russian language and culture continues to erode local identities, mirroring colonial practices. By promoting an anti-colonial narrative abroad while engaging in neocolonial practices at home, Russia exposes the contradictions and hypocrisy of its propaganda. Key Regions and Resources: Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Natural Resources: Diamonds: Yakutia is Russia’s largest diamond producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the country’s output and 25% of the global supply. Other Resources: The region is also rich in oil, natural gas, coal, and metals such as gold and uranium. Neocolonial Exploitation: Revenue Distribution: Profits from resource extraction flow to the central Russian budget, leaving local
Russian disinformation on the situation in Syria – an attempt to link jihadists to Ukraine
* * * * * * For some time now, Russia has been trying to link Ukraine and the West with jihadists in its narrative, in order to accuse them of supporting terrorism. In doing so, Russia relies on the mechanism described in Vladimir Volkoff’s theory of disinformation, exploiting the poor knowledge of a large part of Western public opinion about the Middle East and its fully justified negative assessment of Russia’s role. The idea is to use the critical attitude towards Russia to propagate a narrative that seemingly attacks Russia (“Russia is losing”), but in fact supports the Russian narrative (“Russia is defending Syria from jihadists supported by Ukraine and the West” – the main theme of the Russian narrative). The target group of this message is both residents of the Middle East and Europeans. In doing so, Russia uses the naive and ignorant image of jihadists, widespread in the West, as alleged fighters for the freedom of Syria, whose fight is part of stopping Russian imperialism. On November 29, 2024, the Arabic-language account @mog_Russ on the X.com portal, which is one of the main tools of Russian disinformation on this portal, aimed at the Arabic-speaking population (498.5 thousand followers), published an “analysis” of the alleged links between the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham offensive and Ukraine. The main topic was stated there in the first of 15 tweets as “The United States, Israel, and Ukraine are leading the new conflict in Syria.” The addition of Israel is intended to exploit the negative perception of this country in the Arab-Muslim world, resulting from Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon. Russian propaganda has been trying to attribute responsibility for the civilian casualties of this war to the so-called “collective West.” The aim of these actions is to provoke hostility among hundreds of millions of Arab Muslims towards Europe and to lead to riots by activating this hostility in Arab-Muslim communities living in Europe. This is therefore a classic element of hybrid warfare. @mog_Russ’s narrative is built on manipulated photos, their montages, and absurd interpretations of some photos. For example, the ties of jihadists to Ukraine are supposedly evidenced by the fact that some of them have yellow headbands, while others have blue ones. This is supposedly evidence of the participation of “Ukrainian drone operators” in the offensive on Aleppo. The next photo shows a group of men, one of whom has an ISIS patch. Although this is probably a photomontage and it is not known where the photo was taken, the thread states that these are “anti-Russian Chechen militias fighting in Ukraine”, for which there is no evidence. This, however, leads to another manipulation, i.e. linking this photo to recordings of people with ISIS patches in Aleppo and stating that jihadists in Syria were wearing both yellow and blue stripes (in reality, no one in the photos is wearing yellow and blue markings, only multi-colored armbands, including yellow or blue, but not yellow and blue) and ISIS markings (here, too, the authenticity is questionable because HTS originates from Al Qaeda and has never used ISIS symbols – ISIS uses a black flag with the Arabic inscription “There is no god but Allah” and the words “Allah, the prophet, Mohammad”, while Al Qaeda uses a white flag with the calligraphy of Shahada). Here, there is a direct suggestion that this is supposedly an implementation of Zelensky’s policy of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”, which is supposed to mean that he perceives ISIS as a friend. The subsequent photos deepen this manipulation in a very suggestive way, but in reality not based on any logical chain of evidence. The photo of a group of jihadists, again taken unknown where, suggests that extremists from all over the world are fighting on the side of the jihadists in Syria (which is partly true), but this is supposed to lead to the conclusion (it is unknown on what basis) that the same is true in Ukraine. The manipulation is complemented by a screenshot of an article from the English-language Kyiv Independent, suggesting the participation of Ukrainians in the Tuareg fights against the Wagnerians in Mali, which of course has nothing to do with Syria, but is supposed to lend credibility to the previous theses by psychologically affecting the recipient’s perception. Then Russian propagandists return to Syria and refer to a Kyiv Post video allegedly presenting the participation of Ukrainians in the fights in Syria, although in reality it is a montage of scenes of some attacks, from which it is completely unclear who, where and when they are depicted. The next posts are devoted to Turkey’s alleged involvement in the HTS attack on Aleppo, which supposedly automatically implies US involvement, which is completely absurd, because the interests of Turkey and the US in Syria are not consistent and have been the subject of disputes between these countries many times. After which Russian propagandists return to Ukraine again, showing videos of the use of drones and stating that “it is obvious that drone operators trained or fought in Ukraine”. Nothing of the sort follows from the previous posts, but they created a psychological background for the recipient to believe it. The next posts intensify this impression by presenting alleged Syrian rebels with the flags of the Syrian revolution and Ukraine, and a screenshot of an article from Newsweek, which refers to an earlier article by the Kyiv Post about the presence of Ukrainians in Syria. This is supposed to give the impression that this “information” has been confirmed by various sources, when in reality it is not. The whole thread is very suggestive, but it lacks any evidence of Ukraine’s participation in the fighting in Syria. Moreover, apart from the US-Turkey connection, there is no evidence of US involvement, which in fact considers HTS a terrorist organization and has offered a reward for the capture of its leader. Moreover, although Israel also appears in the first entry, it does not appear in the subsequent
Disinformation in the Lebanese information space after the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel
* * * * * * Disinformation in the Lebanese information space after the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel – examples The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and especially the ceasefire signed on November 27, 2024, is associated with many unknowns. On the one hand, the messages addressed to the Lebanese were full of hope and encouraged to return home, especially after reaching an agreement. On the other hand, almost at the same time, the media reported new attacks and violations of the ceasefire by both sides. EXAMPLES OF DISINFORMATION ACTIVITIES: 1. A photo appeared on social media showing an Israeli helicopter allegedly shot down in the Al-Khiyam area in southern Lebanon. According to the posts, the helicopter was supposed to be transporting several dead and wounded Israeli soldiers. A Facebook user shared the photo with the caption: “An Israeli helicopter was just shot down in the #Al-Khiyam area, in southern Lebanon, while transporting several dead and wounded Zionist army soldiers.” Source: https://www.newsmobile.in/nm-fact-checker/fact-check-post-claiming-israeli-helicopter-shot-down-in-lebanon-is-misleading/ Fact check: FALSE. When we Google the image using Reverse Image Search, we come across a report by The Times of Israel from May 20, 2019 with the title: “Hamas fighters tried to shoot down Israeli military helicopter in latest round of fighting.” According to the report, the Israeli helicopter fired flares after a Hamas cell tried to shoot down a military helicopter in the Gaza Strip during clashes in 2019. Sometimes something as simple as using Google’s image search tool allows for quick fact-checking. Report link: https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-tried-to-down-an-idf-helicopter-during-fighting-this-month-report/ 2. Social media users have circulated a photo that allegedly shows explosions in Haifa on November 26, 2024, following rocket attacks by Hezbollah. Source: https://misbar.com/en/factcheck/2024/11/28/this-image-does-not-show-explosions-in-haifa-caused-by-hezbollah-rocket-strikes The photo gained popularity after the Israeli military announced that the air force had intercepted rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israeli territory, in the Haifa area. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for shelling the city of Nahariya and Israeli military positions, as well as two camps in the occupied Golan Heights. Fact check: FALSE. Media outlets published a photo on October 8, 2023, showing an explosion in Rishon Lezion, south of Tel Aviv, after rockets fired by the Palestinian resistance from the Gaza Strip struck. Link to article: https://espanol.almayadeen.net/noticias/politica/1754038/resistencia-palestina-marca-con-fuego-a–tel-aviv * * * A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Kutrashev misleads the Iraqi people – Another example of propaganda from Russia’s ambassador to Iraq.
Russian ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev told Iraqi Shiite Al-Ahad television that his country does not believe in the intentions of American President-elect Donald Trump to end the Ukrainian-Russian war. In an interview for the program “Before Tomorrow,” Kutrashev stated that Trump’s statements during the election campaign indicate that he wants changes, but “America is a country with a powerful lobby that imposes its will on the president.” He added that “internal pressures forced Trump to take hostile steps against Russia,” noting at the same time that “Trump wants to stop the Russian-Ukrainian war.” In his opinion, “American lobbyists, selling weapons and gas, are benefiting from the economic weakening of Europe.” He also said that “some American circles want to destroy Russian-European relations” and that “the keys to Ukraine are in America’s hands.” He stressed that “the Russian-Ukrainian war would not have happened without America’s bad policy”. A similar mendacious narrative appeared at Kutrashev’s meeting with the new speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, who stated that “Iraq supports efforts to end the Russian-Ukrainian war and the wars ravaging the Middle East region”, calling on “the international community to intervene to end these conflicts”. * * * Russian “diplomats” are not actively participating in disinformation operations conducted by Russia in the international arena for the first time. One such person is the Russian ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, who systematically pursues an aggressive information policy, including actions directly aimed at the image of Poland. Kutrashev is implementing a broad propaganda agenda of the Kremlin, which is part of building a false image of the West – as aggressive, responsible for the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and planning an attack on Russia. Moreover, in order to legitimize Russia’s armed attack on Ukraine, it falsifies the history of World War II. ———– A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Disinformation about NATO’s Intervention in Belarus and “Defending Ukraine from Poland” – Elements of Russia’s Coherent Propaganda Strategy
Disinformation about NATO’s Intervention in Belarus and “Defending Ukraine from Poland” – Elements of Russia’s Coherent Propaganda Strategy In recent weeks, Russian informational propaganda has intensified efforts aimed at destabilizing relations between NATO, Poland, Ukraine, and neighboring countries. Two recent narratives—namely, the alleged NATO intervention plan in Belarus from the territories of Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine, and the narrative about Russia and Belarus “defending Ukraine” from Polish aggression—constitute part of a broader disinformation strategy. Such messages are widely disseminated both in Europe and the MENA region, where Russia has for years effectively manipulated public opinion, portraying itself as a counterbalance to the West. Narrative 1: NATO “Attacking Belarus” The narrative about an alleged planned NATO intervention in southwestern Belarus has been spread by Russian state media such as RIA Novosti. According to these reports, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine, supported by NATO forces, are planning a military operation targeting Belarus. The false information contains key elements of typical Russian propaganda: Presenting NATO as an aggressor destabilizing Eastern Europe. Depicting Poland and Lithuania as imperialist countries using Ukraine to pursue their expansionist plans. Mobilizing public opinion around the idea of a “besieged Russia and its allies,” allegedly defending their sovereignty. This narrative aims to instill fear in the region and undermine international trust in NATO. A particular goal is to discredit Poland, which plays a crucial role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. Narrative 2: Russia and Belarus “Defending Ukraine from Poland” Simultaneously, Russia promotes a contradictory narrative in which Poland is the aggressor against Ukraine, while Russia and Belarus act as defenders of Ukrainian sovereignty. As noted in an article on the Disinfo Digest portal (“Disinformation: Belarus and Russia Defend Ukraine from ‘Aggressive’ Poland”), this narrative seeks to: Create tensions between Poland and Ukraine, which have been key allies since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Undermine Polish support for Ukraine by fostering internal divisions and spreading false claims about “Polish imperialist plans.” Russia deliberately manipulates messages to sow contradictions and chaos among allies while portraying itself as a defender of justice and stability. Connections Between Narratives: Russia’s Disinformation Strategy Both narratives—the alleged NATO aggression against Belarus and the “defense of Ukraine from Poland”—are elements of a coherent disinformation campaign aimed at achieving several key objectives: Undermining NATO Unity and Alliance Relations By simultaneously spreading contradictory narratives, Russia seeks to weaken cooperation among NATO allies, particularly on the eastern flank. Poland and Ukraine are key targets, as their relations are fundamental to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Strengthening Anti-NATO Sentiments in the MENA Region In both Europe and the MENA region, Russia portrays NATO as aggressive and imperialistic, resonating with anti-Western sentiments, especially in countries with colonial pasts. This propaganda builds Russia’s image as an alternative global power opposing Western “neocolonialism.” Creating Informational Chaos The calculated use of contradictory messages aims to confuse audiences. On one hand, NATO is presented as an aggressor against Belarus, while on the other, Poland is portrayed as an aggressor against Ukraine. Such narratives undermine trust in international institutions and complicate the audience’s ability to assess the real situation. Positioning Russia as a Stabilizer and Defender In both the alleged defense of Ukraine and repelling NATO in Belarus, Russia and Belarus are depicted as “forces of good” standing up for weaker states against the imperialist ambitions of the West. Objective of Disinformation: Undermining International Relations and Mobilizing Support for Russia The long-term goal of Russian propaganda is to weaken relations between NATO, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as to destabilize public opinion in regions such as MENA. These actions aim to: Reduce support for Ukraine by spreading narratives about Poland’s “imperialist plans.” Undermine NATO’s position as a guarantor of security in Eastern Europe. Strengthen Russia’s international standing as an alternative force ensuring order and stability. Conclusions and Recommendations Russian propaganda, based on contradictory narratives about NATO and Poland, is part of a broader informational strategy aimed at destabilizing international relations and strengthening Russia’s position. In light of these actions, it is necessary to: Increase public awareness in Europe and the MENA region about the disinformation mechanisms used by Russia. Strengthen NATO cohesion by actively countering disinformation and building a unified message based on facts. Promote transparent communication between Poland, Ukraine, and their international partners to counter attempts to weaken allied relations. Disinformation remains one of the most significant tools of Russian foreign policy, and its effectiveness requires a determined and coordinated response from democratic countries. Mutual support, joint strategies, and raising public awareness are key elements in countering Russian informational manipulations.
Installation of the Missile Defense System in Redzikowo as a Target of Russian Propaganda Attacks
The installation of the missile defense system in Redzikowo has been, and continues to be, a target of Russian propaganda attacks. The latest iterations rely on disinformation and issuing threats against Poland. Below, we outline selected narratives used in recent days by Russian propaganda. A significant role in these activities has been played by operatives of the influence apparatus—so-called “military experts,” whose statements were promoted through propaganda outreach channels. Current Lines of Persuasion: 🔴 The missile defense system is aimed at undermining Russia’s security.🔴 The base in Redzikowo threatens Poland’s security, leaves Russia no choice, and invites the risk of nuclear retaliation.🔴 True Poles are being forced into subjugation under American dominance. The base in Redzikowo symbolizes the loss of Poland’s sovereignty.🔴 The base is supported by Russophobes who disregard ordinary Poles—the victims of anti-Russian provocations. The Russian propaganda system continues its efforts rooted in disinformation about an aggressive, offensive Poland and NATO, allegedly posing a threat to Russia’s security. The base in Redzikowo has repeatedly been woven into this false narrative over the years. An analysis of the main themes reveals the key lines of Russian propaganda narratives over the past five years: 🔴 It is a result of the imperialist policies of the United States.🔴 It increases the risk of war and nuclear annihilation.🔴 It was a reason for the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty.🔴 It will lead to the death of half the population of Poland and Europe.🔴 The installation has an offensive and provocative character.🔴 It is designed to carry nuclear warheads.🔴 It is part of U.S. efforts to dominate and occupy Poland. Shafafiya A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Secondary Disinformation: How Russia Exploits the 2022 Gas Supply Cutoff in Ongoing Propaganda
In early November 2024, posts appeared on Arabic-language propaganda accounts promoting Russian narratives. These posts suggested that Poland, followed by Bulgaria and Austria, had agreed to pay for Russian gas in rubles. According to these claims, the European Commission allegedly authorized EU member states to purchase gas in Russian currency amidst a so-called crisis. However, this information referred to past events, specifically April 2022, when Russia indeed halted gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria due to their refusal to pay in rubles. In reality, since then, Poland and Bulgaria have significantly reduced their dependence on Russian gas by investing in alternative energy sources. Why, then, has this narrative resurfaced? What objective does the Kremlin aim to achieve by portraying historical events as current facts? This article analyzes the mechanisms of Russian disinformation and examines its goals in the new geopolitical context. This case study provides insights into how Russia uses disinformation as a tool in its information warfare to manipulate public opinion and strengthen its political position. Mechanism of Disinformation Russian propaganda narratives referencing past events, such as those from April 2022, are a striking example of the strategic use of disinformation in the Kremlin’s ongoing information warfare. The mechanism employed in this case can be analyzed in several key contexts. The first is the manipulation of the perception of time and events. Russian propaganda deliberately presents old events as current, effectively creating informational chaos. Recipients, who may vaguely recall events from several years ago, often struggle to remember specific details or dates. This creates confusion and hinders the accurate assessment of event chronology. As a result, disinformation leads some recipients to believe false claims, such as Poland, Bulgaria, and other EU countries currently changing their stance toward Russia and agreeing to Kremlin-imposed conditions, such as paying for gas in rubles. The second critical aspect of this strategy is undermining European solidarity. The narrative suggesting that EU countries agreed to pay in Russian currency aims to erode unity within the EU’s joint energy policy. Such messages portray member states as inconsistent and susceptible to Moscow’s pressure, weakening trust in Europe’s efforts to diversify energy supply sources. Breaking the common EU front against Russia remains one of the main goals of Russian disinformation regarding energy policy. Another context for this narrative is creating an illusion of the effectiveness of Russian policy. In this way, Russia seeks to bolster its image as a powerful geopolitical player that, despite international isolation and economic sanctions, still possesses leverage over European countries. This narrative presents Russia as an independent and dominant actor in global politics, effectively opposing Western „imperialism.” In particular, such messages resonate well in the Arab media space, which historically harbors skepticism toward U.S. and European actions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Furthermore, Russia seeks to generate sympathy and build its image as a reliable partner, contrasting with U.S. and European policies. Depicting EU countries as supposedly „humiliated” by Russia and forced into concessions, such as ruble payments, aims to undermine the credibility of the West while positioning the Kremlin as a more stable alternative economic and political partner in the eyes of Global South nations. This type of disinformation is not a random act but a carefully orchestrated element of a broader Russian information warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing Europe while strengthening Russian influence on the international stage. Propaganda Goals The dissemination of disinformation, such as the narrative about ruble payments, primarily aims to divert attention from Russia’s current challenges. At the turn of October and November 2024, the Kremlin faced significant difficulties both internationally and domestically. One of the key challenges was the geopolitical tension stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine, which consumed substantial financial and human resources while tarnishing Russia’s image on the global stage. Additionally, the U.S. presidential elections could influence decisions on continued Western support for Ukraine. Russia also grappled with increasing political and economic isolation due to sanctions that effectively restricted its access to global markets and technologies. Creating narratives about alleged successes in gas policy allowed Russia to distract from these difficulties. Propaganda suggesting that European countries had supposedly re-accepted Russian payment conditions in rubles aimed to overshadow the symbolic blows to Russia’s energy strategy caused by Europe’s energy diversification efforts, initiated after the 2022 gas supply cutoffs to Poland and Bulgaria. While initially perceived as an act of strength by the Kremlin, these events ultimately demonstrated the effectiveness of Europe’s strategy to reduce reliance on Russian energy resources. However, propaganda sought to undermine the success of these efforts by creating a false image of Europe’s dependence on Russia. The narrative also targeted audiences in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, intending to build Russia’s prestige among Global South countries. The Kremlin aimed to present itself as an effective mediator and defender of the region’s interests, contrasting with the image of the West, often perceived in these countries as interventionist and imperialist. By highlighting Europe’s alleged vulnerabilities to its pressure, Russia reinforced the argument that cooperation with Moscow is more stable and beneficial than alliances with Western nations. This narrative supported the Kremlin’s political and economic objectives on two key fronts. First, it aimed to undermine the credibility of the West and its ability to conduct effective energy policy while simultaneously weakening EU unity. Second, it enhanced Russia’s image as a reliable partner in the MENA region, bolstering its influence and position in the Global South. This type of disinformation not only advanced Russia’s international goals but also helped deflect attention from internal issues, reinforcing the image of Russia as a strong country capable of effective action on the global stage. Propaganda Techniques in the Kremlin’s Arsenal In this disinformation operation, the Kremlin employed several characteristic manipulation techniques that are staple elements of its propaganda playbook. One of the most commonly used methods is „information recycling,” i.e., re-presenting past events in a way that makes them appear current. These narratives rely on the assumption that recipients may not
Russian Disinformation on “Jewish Colonization of Ukraine” as a Propaganda Tool
The Russian Federation employs complex disinformation techniques to influence public opinion, particularly in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. One example of such disinformation is the manipulation of images showing Jews traveling to Uman, Ukraine, where annual Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) celebrations are held. Images of the Hasidic pilgrimage have been used by pro-Russian propaganda centers to fabricate a narrative about an alleged “mass immigration of Jews through Poland to Ukraine” and the construction of a “new Ukraine” as a “Jewish state” under the protection of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kremlin Hypocrisy: “Nazi” Ukraine and “Jewish Colonization” Russia’s use of anti-Semitism as a propaganda tool has a long history, as detailed in the article “Anti-Semitism in Russia” (https://infoops.pl/antysemityzm-w-rosji/) and confirmed in this year’s U.S. State Department report (https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GEC-Special-Report-More-than-a-Century-of-Antisemitism.pdf). On one hand, the Kremlin and pro-Russian media consistently portray Ukraine as a state supposedly overrun by Nazis, anti-Semites, and Russophobes, invoking emotionally charged rhetoric about “denazification” of Ukraine as a goal of the Russian invasion. In this narrative, Zelensky – who is of Jewish descent – is hypocritically depicted as a leader supporting anti-Semitic groups. On the other hand, Russian propaganda employs a completely different tactic by portraying Zelensky as a Jew who allegedly opens Ukraine to mass Jewish immigration, suggesting that they are “colonizing” the country to establish a new Jewish state. This version of disinformation finds particular use in Arab countries, where anti-Semitism is sometimes rooted in certain segments of society. Pro-Russian channels and social media, often with fake accounts or bots, spread images of Uman pilgrims as “evidence” of this false narrative. Objective of Disinformation This kind of dual disinformation strategy aims to: Additionally, the intensification of repression against the opposition and civil society in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, as noted in the BESA Center analysis, may also impact the sense of security among Russian Jews, even if they are not directly targeted by these actions. Impact on MENA Communities Pro-Russian messages in the MENA region are intentionally manipulated to exploit existing hostilities and prejudices. In Arab countries, disinformation about “Jewish colonization of Ukraine” may find fertile ground and strengthen anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiments. This disinformation serves to inflame emotions and divisions, which Russia can exploit to weaken international solidarity with Ukraine. Summary The Kremlin’s propaganda surrounding the alleged “Jewish colonization of Ukraine” exemplifies an advanced disinformation strategy that uses anti-Semitism, lies, and manipulation to achieve political goals. This approach seeks both to undermine the credibility of Ukraine and Zelensky and to silence internal opposition to the war. By using double standards and manipulating historical biases, the Kremlin aims to create confusion and destabilization on the international stage, diverting attention from its own aggressive actions. Author: Wojciech Pokora – INFO OPS Poland Foundation
Disinformation: Belarus and Russia Defend Ukraine from Aggressive Poland.
Disinformation: Belarus and Russia Defend Ukraine from Aggressive Poland Recently, social media and news channels linked to Russia and China have been intensifying their propaganda campaign aimed at MENA countries, presenting Poland as the aggressor and Belarus and Russia as defenders of Ukraine. There is a clear narrative line in propaganda sources linked to Moscow and Beijing, which is intended to cause confusion and undermine the credibility of Poland and its allies.The media coverage attempts to present Belarus and Russia as forces defending the stability of the region from Poland’s “imperialist ambitions.” This narrative fits into the broader context of Russia and China’s strategic influence on audiences in Arab countries, who may be less familiar with the actual events in Eastern Europe. Creating an alternative reality, where Poland is the aggressor towards Ukraine, and Belarus (in alliance with Russia) defends its weaker neighbour, is an example of manipulation, which exploits information gaps and ignorance of recipients in MENA countries. Manipulation Method This is a classic example of a disinformation manipulation strategy, known as a “false flag”. By reversing roles and suggesting that Poland is planning aggression, Russian and Chinese propaganda undermines the image of the West as a stable and democratic defender of freedom. This type of disinformation aims to create distrust towards European countries, while strengthening the position of Russia and its allies as stabilizers in the international arena. Campaign Goal The goal of this campaign is to arouse sympathy for Russia and Belarus and discourage public opinion in MENA countries from supporting Poland and the West more broadly. Such messages can affect diplomatic and political relations, as well as the perception of the Ukrainian conflict. Russia and China are using these narratives to strengthen their influence in the MENA region, building an image of themselves as defenders of international stability and opponents of “Western aggression.” Such disinformation manipulations can lead to a distorted geopolitical picture in regions far from Europe, which is part of a long-term strategy to undermine the West’s international alliances and influence. A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest.
Kutrashev distorts history
Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, in an interview with Al-Sharqiyah television, promotespropaganda narratives that blame the West for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To justify thisaggression, Kutrashev distorts history, claiming that it was the West that instigated World War II,whereas the responsibility lay with both Hitler and Stalin, as confirmed by the Ribbentrop-MolotovPact. Kutrashev’s False Claims: → “The West planned World War II.”Reality: It was Hitler and Stalin who led to World War II by signing one of the most treacherousinternational agreements, the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, on August 23, 1939. → “The same countries [that caused World War II] have now planned a war against Russia.”Reality: Neo-imperialist and neo-colonial Russia invaded Ukraine because it does not respect thesovereignty of other countries and consistently seeks to expand both its territory and influence. → “Poland and the Baltic countries are non-sovereign and follow the will of the USA.”Reality: Poland and the Baltic states—following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, invasion ofUkraine, and numerous threats—have legitimate grounds for concern and an assertive stancetowards Russia. Learn history as it truly is. Don’t let yourself be manipulated! Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland under the competition “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025 – European dimension and counter-disinformation.” The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.