Russia's Propaganda War: Influencers Rewrite History in Ukraine

Russia's War in Ukraine: Kremlin Uses Influencers to Rewrite History Summary: In occupied regions of Ukraine, Russia is employing influencers to create a false narrative of rebuilding and progress, ignoring the devastation caused by the war. Details: More than three years into the conflict, the Kremlin's propaganda machine has adopted a new strategy. Influencers are producing videos showing the construction of new buildings and schools in cities like Mariupol, while thanking Russian officials for their efforts. These videos gain millions of views on platforms like TikTok and RuTube, a Russian state-owned YouTube alternative. However, these videos deliberately omit the context: the destruction caused by the Russian invasion itself. The war has left much of the infrastructure in ruins. The absence of this crucial information is a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception. CNN's investigation reveals that a pro-Russian news site operates a blogger school, training locals to create viral videos supporting the Kremlin's narrative. One influencer stated, "Our goal is to spread the truth." However, many view this as an attempt to rewrite history in real time. Conclusion: The use of influencers in Russia's information war highlights the importance of critical media consumption and fact-checking. The contrast between the carefully crafted videos and the reality on the ground underscores the ongoing struggle for truth in the midst of conflict.