Russian Defence Ministry propagandists are using an unconventional method to spread false information about Ukraine – through leaflets with bizarre illustrations. One leaflet, titled What’s the difference?, compares Russian and Ukrainian soldiers using absurd scenarios. The booklet portrays Ukrainian soldiers as gay, satanic, and Nazi sympathizers, while highlighting Russian soldiers as traditional family protectors. Despite the outlandish claims, Ukraine is actually a conservative country facing setbacks in LGBTQI+ rights due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Echoes of the Great War
This propaganda tactic mirrors strategies used during World War I, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil, and demonizing the enemy. The leaflet aims to manipulate Ukraine’s conservative elements by falsely linking EU values to the destruction of traditional family and religious values. The propaganda also distorts the treatment of prisoners of war, painting Ukrainians as torturers despite evidence of Russian mistreatment of captives.
Prisoners of war
The leaflet also distorts the treatment of prisoners of war, portraying Ukrainians as torturers despite evidence of Russian mistreatment. The Kremlin’s propaganda seeks to demonize Ukraine and justify the invasion through false claims of “Nazification.” However, the reality is starkly different, as Ukraine grapples with far-right elements shared by post-communist countries like Russia. The leaflet’s use of extreme imagery and false narratives echoes historical propaganda tactics, aiming to deceive and manipulate public opinion.
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