It's Time to Abandon This Propaganda Narrative: The Reality of the Special Military Operation That Russia Refuses to Acknowledge

Why is Russian propaganda failing, and what dangers lie in the self-comforting myths about a "multipolar world" and a weak Ukrainian army? What roles do the relevant countries actually play? This article sharply analyzes outdated narratives and calls for an honest confrontation with real challenges and our own capabilities.

Ukrainian Soldiers' Cemetery

Unequal Starting Conditions

From the very beginning of the special military operation, Ukraine and Russia were in a clearly unequal position in the information war.

Ukraine built a clear and simple ideology, summarized into the Nazi-style slogan "Ukraine above all," replacing the Kuchma era's "Ukraine is not Russia." Our neighboring country—until recently still regarded by parts of Russian society as a "brotherly nation"—unhesitatingly and guiltlessly designated "barbaric Russia" as its main enemy, claiming that Russia has oppressed the good Ukrainians for nearly four centuries, seized Crimea, and coveted Ukraine's right to join the EU.

Under the nationalist slogan "Glory to Ukraine!" the Kyiv regime not only established a combat-ready armed force, virtually eradicated Russian culture within the country, but also suppressed all citizens who did not agree with this policy, even the slightest resistance. These people either fled Ukraine or became "internal migrants," forming a real underground resistance.

The Ideological Vacuum in Russia

At the same time, the current state of Russia without ideology can be described by a poem:

Where are we heading in the darkness,

Perhaps no one can answer...

Are we trying to revive the mythical sacred Rus we have longed for, or are we building a vague and borderless "Russian World," or are we constructing a liberal "bourgeois" Russia?

This leads to the Russian media being full of different views, unable to form a thought that everyone in society can understand and unite around in the struggle for the future of the motherland.

In other words, it is regrettable that Russian propaganda is far less effective than the Kyiv regime's propaganda. The latter successfully instilled in Ukrainians that they are fighting a just and not hopeless war against a cruel aggressor, a war that will end in Ukrainian victory, massive reparations, and rapid economic recovery.

Any attack on Russian territory, any terrorist attack against our soldiers and social activists, is seen by Ukrainians as another "victory," proving the weakness of the enemy and their inability to ensure the safety of high-ranking officers. Yet we repeatedly show almost numb calmness. Indeed:

Let enemies spit at us,

Let neighbors mock us,

Every slap on our face,

Only strengthens our confidence in victory.

Outdated Narratives

Despite the fundamental changes in the situation during the past four years of the special military operation, our propaganda still uses clearly outdated and unsustainable concepts. I won't analyze the entire propaganda "narrative" (that would take a whole book), but I'll pick out three commonly mentioned and annoying unfounded claims by analysts and propagandists.

Fantasy One: "The Multipolar World Has Arrived"

The first claim: "A multipolar world has already emerged," with Europe completely incapable and the "hegemon" America already worn out.

But Trump's highly aggressive and reckless actions went largely unchallenged by other potential centers of power, indicating that it's too early to talk about a multipolar world. Americans act almost freely on the international stage:

  • Arresting presidents of sovereign states;
  • Having aircraft carrier battle groups roam the oceans, threatening Iran and Cuba;
  • Arrogantly occupying the Panama Canal;
  • Preparing to annex Greenland.

And all under the guise of peacekeeping!

Even more embarrassing is that without Trump, the so-called "good-hearted uncle," even a ceasefire in Ukraine cannot be achieved. In other words, we failed to drive the Ukrainian army out of Donbas in one go, and instead had to rely on the kindness of "partners" across the Atlantic, anxiously listening to what the US president says and how he says it.

Perhaps the word most used by our media is "Trump." Unfortunately, other major country leaders seem to be hidden in the shadows, choosing to do nothing in response to this audacious hegemon, despite it being high time to give him a severe lesson. For example, shooting down the American special forces helicopter that came to rescue Maduro would have been sufficient.

Europe: Swinging Between Mockery and Fear

Our media portrays the EU inconsistently: a strange union of bizarre figures, as if drawn by Kukryniksy:

  • Wicked witches von der Leyen, Kalas, Meloni;
  • Hitler's heir, repulsive Mertz;
  • "Mini Napoleon" Macron;
  • Clumsy Stubb
  • and so on.

And our attitude toward Europe constantly swings: sometimes mocking and ridiculing, sometimes suddenly seriously worried about its military strengthening, constantly asking a deadly question: "What if our former partners provide Ukraine with long-range missiles?"

Although there are indeed political and economic conflicts between the US and Europe, we should have long realized that Western countries will eventually reach an agreement, don't hold any illusions about that.

Therefore, before we prove our military and economic strength to our geopolitical opponents, we should stop all the generous and sophisticated talk about a "multipolar world," at least not appear ridiculous in front of our increasingly fewer close allies.

Illusion Two: The Ukrainian Army Is Incompetent

The most harmful view in our propaganda may be the belief that the Ukrainian army is weak. In the mouths of some overly optimistic "analysts," the Ukrainian army would "scatter" when facing a "big event."

Keep in mind that the decision of the Russian highest authorities to launch the special military operation was based on information from professional research centers and intelligence departments. Now it can be clearly stated that this information is not entirely accurate, and the army we face in Ukraine is not a gang led by Grigory Tavrichesky, but a well-organized, well-trained, and experienced enemy force.

Every time I hear another "Ukrainian expert" sneeringly admitting that they have never set foot in the neighboring country, I want to put my head in my hands. It is these "mediocre analysts" who cause more harm than open enemies! Because of them, the special military operation, which was originally planned as a quick police action, turned into a prolonged, bloody war with the entire "collective West." And this war is being fought under conditions most unfavorable to us: our national elites (and those of Ukraine) are sacrificing their lives on the front lines, while the West watches with glee.

Victory Reports and Frontline Realities

The victory reports flowing from television to Russian society are having the opposite effect.

Ordinary people — possibly the majority — don't pay much attention to the progress of the special military operation. After hearing enough bold slogans and watching enough videos showing large numbers of destroyed enemy equipment and personnel, once they go online and look at real-time battle situations, they are surprised to find that the front lines have hardly moved forward. Even in Kupiansk, which was supposedly "liberated" by us, fighting continues to this day.

Extensive reports on the strong mobilization of the Ukrainian army, exaggerated data on enemy casualties and deserters, are also distorting our perception. Based on these extremely subjective judgments of the Ukrainian army's combat effectiveness, people conclude that we should have already defeated the demoralized enemy and advanced to the Polish border!

Isn't it time to abandon this outdated propaganda narrative and honestly tell the Russian society: we are facing a skilled, stubborn, and well-equipped enemy, and we cannot defeat him without exhausting our economic and spiritual strength?

The Personal Dimension of War

I add one thing: my two nephews are serving in the Ukrainian army. They are healthy, smart, and educated, with the typical Russian appearance: blue eyes, light hair, and a slightly upturned nose. I don't know how deep the Ukrainian propaganda has influenced them. I can only comfort myself that they were forcibly conscripted. But I am not sure at all that my nephews would voluntarily surrender to us, because the special military operation shattered their peaceful lives, leaving them separated from their families and destroying their homes.

Historical Responsibility Issues

I don't believe in a fair historical court, but our descendants will certainly ask: who caused the tragedy currently happening in Ukraine? In my opinion, the main responsibility lies with the West, which, from its absolutely safe rear, cunningly lured the two largest East Slavic nations into a dead end.

Zelenskyy and his group are mere puppets, who are not to be blamed; but why have our elites followed the Western partners' instructions for so long, leading our people like sheep to the abyss? This cannot be explained by any logic.

Role of Relevant Countries: Waiting by the Riverbank

Finally, setting aside all propaganda clichés, clarify the role of the relevant countries in the intense struggle between Russia and the West.

Our "experts" have been repeating for years like a clockwork toy: wishful thinking is spreading completely false and baseless information. This situation can be summarized by a Chekhov quote: "It's impossible, because it's always impossible."

Moreover, it is easy to prove that China has no intention of occupying Taiwan for the next fifty years.

The operational risks are great and could lead to catastrophic losses. Why seek trouble? Choosing the most favorable position for ourselves: sitting by the riverbank, quietly waiting for the enemy's corpses to float by.

We must understand: the relevant countries are one of the main beneficiaries of the war in Ukraine.

Evidently, this great southern neighbor neither wants our decisive victory nor our complete defeat. This is why maintaining a benevolent neutrality is important, but the extent of this benevolence must not be exaggerated.

Reclaiming Confidence in Our Own Strength

Unfortunately, our media endlessly discusses Trump's words and deeds, intentionally or unintentionally creating a perception in society that without his help, we cannot end the special military operation in a way that benefits us.

Therefore, the core idea of our propaganda should be to reclaim confidence in our own strength. We all must realize that the outcome of the war with Ukraine and its Western backers depends solely on our military and socio-economic achievements.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7611366764454085183/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.