A recent investigation by Global Rights Compliance and The Reckoning Project reveals the extensive scale of the Russian government’s propaganda efforts during the ongoing Ukraine war. Since the invasion in February 2022, the Kremlin has engaged in a systematic campaign to manipulate information, with President Vladimir Putin reportedly briefing top television presenters to ensure alignment with state narratives.
The aim of this propaganda war is twofold: to obscure war crimes committed by Russian forces and to undermine accountability efforts through a widespread disinformation strategy. The investigation highlights specific incidents, such as the March 2022 airstrike on Mariupol’s Maternity Ward No.3, where Russian officials falsely claimed the facility was being used by Ukrainian military personnel. High-ranking representatives, including UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova, sought to frame this act as a provocation, deflecting blame from Russia.
The role of Russian social media in perpetuating these narratives is also significant. Military bloggers, known as “Z-bloggers,” play a crucial part in disseminating disinformation, reaching an estimated audience of 10 million globally. Their narratives have been pivotal in shaping public perception around key events, including the devastating attack on the Donetsk Regional Academic Drama Theatre, which was described by the Kremlin as a staged provocation despite the clear presence of “CHILDREN” written outside the venue.
Additionally, prominent Russian television channels and influential presenters have been identified as conduits for Putin’s messages, creating “information alibis” for government actions that have violated international law. An indictment from the US accused Channel One host Dimitri Simes of directly receiving instructions from Putin regarding media coverage of the conflict.
Despite a UN Independent Commission of Inquiry documenting multiple instances of war crimes against civilians by Russian forces, these propaganda efforts have persisted. Global Rights Compliance argues that individuals involved in disseminating false information to conceal these crimes could face prosecution under international law. Wayne Jordash, the group’s president, emphasises the need to distinguish between legitimate freedom of expression and acts that contribute to criminal activities, noting that Russian propagandists often cross this line to facilitate the planning and cover-up of serious international offences.
This report underscores the complexity of information warfare in the conflict, highlighting the Kremlin’s determined efforts to manipulate public perception and accountability concerning the Ukraine war.