“Ukrainization” has become a dog whistle for Kremlin supporters

Both “Deukrainianization” and “Ukrainization” are used by Kremlin propagandists. One reveals the true goal of Russia’s war, the other attempts distorts an existing word to erode opposition to Russia’s war. Both need to be understood together.

The Kremlin is quietly dropping its “denazification” line

Kremlin propaganda began depicting Ukrainians as Nazis in 2014, although there is little coherence to Putin’s narrative about denazifying Ukraine – so the term appears increasingly less frequently.

Screenshots of fake news articles are on the rise across social media

Headlines are impactful. Propagandists know that most people who see the screenshot of a headline on social media won’t investigate to see if the actual article was ever really published.

Narrative X-Ray: Russia’s ‘nuclear fist’

Russia threatens nuclear war with increasing frequency, partly to distract from discussing the progress of its war against Ukraine. In our second Narrative X-Ray, we discuss how Russia developed its ‘nuclear fist’ and what else it aims to achieve with this rhetoric.

Kremlin propaganda is seeping into Reddit

Reddit, “the front page of the internet”, brings together niche online communities in largely positive ways. But where there’s people to influence, Kremlin propagandists are there too.

‘Valerian’ is a new Propastop initiative to reach our Russian neighbours

Attacks on Estonia’s information space have increased dramatically since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Project Valerian aims to tackle the problem at its source.

A new symbol of Ukrainian resistance appears in Mariupol

While Ukrainian and Russian share a Cyrillic alphabet, the letter Ї only appears in Ukrainian – and has become a brave symbol of continued Ukrainian identity during the resistance to Russian occupation.

Estonia agrees a new coalition, but pro-Kremlin influencers spin it very differently

Pro-Kremlin influencers online are pushing the narrative that the Estonian Prime Minister has resigned due to her support for Ukraine. The truth is very different.

Fact check: Russia falsely claims EU sanctions are ‘blockading’ Kaliningrad 

Not for the first time, the Kremlin accuses others of what it is itself doing. We fact checked the key claims about the “Kaliningrad blockade” (that isn’t a blockade).

Exposed: The Facebook groups spreading Kremlin propaganda

Propastop has identified 17 Facebook groups of concern operating in Estonia. Here’s how to help combat their hate and misinformation.