Narrative X-ray: Playing with the Open Cards

The Kremlin’s bundle of narratives, including special operations, denazification, stopping the persecution of Russians, protecting the “Russian world”, the “historical truth” about the non-existence of Ukraine, fighting against the aggression of the collective West, etc., changes according to the circumstances, but now it has come down to playing with open cards, to stating your true intentions. The reason for this is probably to secure a better position in future negotiations.

Narrative X-ray: did NATO promise Russia not to expand eastwards? 

Russia’s narrative of Western promises to limit the expansion of NATO is a sophisticated manipulation of history. This narrative isn’t just a historical footnote, but a strategic weapon. It’s aimed at preventing the expansion of NATO and legitimizing Russia’s interventions, particularly in Ukraine. However, due to Russia’s aggressive behavior, including its invasion of Ukraine, it has lost resonance in Western circles. Nevertheless, this narrative thrives as a key component of the Kremlin’s propaganda machine in Russia, perpetuating mistrust of the West and reinforcing Russia’s self-image as a victim of broken promises.

Propastop analysis: Russian propaganda attacks the legitimacy of the Ukrainian President

As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s nominal term ends on 20 May, Kremlin propaganda attacks the credibility of the Ukrainian Head of State in the eyes of his most important allies and seeks to undermine the President’s legitimacy in the eyes of Ukrainians.

Narrative X-ray: Russia tries to blame others for its human rights violations

According to a widely spread and well-known propaganda story from the Soviet era, human rights are constantly being violated in Western countries. Moreover, in addition to the human rights of their own citizens, Western countries are supposed to violate the human rights of third-world residents all the time when they interfere in the affairs of those countries. One of the few countries without human rights problems, according to this narrative, is Russia.

Narrative X-ray: Russkyi Mir for domestic use

In the current Narrative X-ray, Propastop delves into how Russkii Mir propaganda played a significant role in securing Vladimir Putin’s reelection for an additional six years. This narrative highlights how such propaganda has shaped a widespread belief among Russians in Russia’s military prowess, particularly through its influence on mass culture.

Narrative X-ray: Does Russia want peace?

Russia claims it wants peace and is not to blame for starting wars, but the facts show that the narrative systematically repeated by key Kremlin figures is false. In the same way, Russia’s calls for peace with Ukraine are hollow, because fulfilling the conditions set as its basis would mean suicide for Ukraine.

Narrative X-ray: In conclusion

Throughout the previous year, Propastop analyzed various Russian narratives and propaganda campaigns in a separate section, starting with the narrative of the Russian world. These analyzes were called narrative x-rays, where public data were used as x-rays to reveal the structure of the narrative. In the column, many different narratives were illuminated with the help … Continue reading Narrative X-ray: In conclusion

Russia’s Traditional War Narratives – How Putin Successfully Uses Them?

Russia’s historical war narrative is largely defined by miraculous transformations that turn even the most humiliating defeats into triumphs. Analysis of Russia’s historical war narrative and the ongoing Ukraine conflict reveals the crucial role of narratives in shaping public opinion and supporting president Putin.

Narrative X-ray: How the Western press unwittingly supports Kremlin narratives

In December, Mart Reimann, a tourism consultant, took an SUV, bought with money donated by Belarusians and refurbished in Estonia ready for combat, to a marine unit near Kherson. The grateful Marines had just returned from a mission across the Dnipro River the night before but showed him around the city of Kherson and the … Continue reading Narrative X-ray: How the Western press unwittingly supports Kremlin narratives

Narrative X ray – Russia’s traditional values – what are they and why?

In recent years, Putin has crafted a narrative presenting Russia as a guardian of traditional moral, social, and religious values, contrasting with the perceived liberal decline in the West. The narrative appeals to both Russian citizens and the broader Russian-speaking world, providing a moral basis for policy decisions and reinforcing the authority of the ruling elite. Despite criticism of Western issues like cancel culture and transgender rights, these critiques often serve as a smokescreen for broader geopolitical ambitions, notably seen in Russia’s actions against Ukraine.