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.