Ukrainian MP Revives Pro-Russian Narratives on TikTok, Raising Concerns about Disinformation and Political Maneuvering
A veteran Ukrainian politician, Yuriy Boyko, has sparked controversy by utilizing TikTok to disseminate pro-Russian narratives, echoing the Kremlin’s justifications for its invasion of Ukraine. Boyko, chair of the Platform for Life and Peace faction, a successor to the pro-Russian Party of Regions, has gained traction on the platform with videos that rehash familiar propaganda themes. These include accusing Ukraine of discriminating against Russian speakers and the Russian Orthodox Church, lamenting violence without explicitly attributing it to Russia, and invoking the "external governance" narrative, which portrays Ukraine as a Western puppet. This resurgence of pro-Russian rhetoric raises concerns about disinformation campaigns and potential political maneuvering ahead of potential future elections.
Boyko’s TikTok videos have resurrected several key themes from the Russian propaganda playbook. He has repeatedly highlighted the alleged oppression of Russian speakers, a long-standing grievance exploited by the Kremlin to justify its intervention. He has also revived the trope of "grant eaters," a derogatory term used to discredit pro-Western civil society organizations, blaming them for Ukraine’s economic woes. Notably absent from his analysis is any mention of the Russian invasion as the primary cause of Ukraine’s economic struggles. Instead, Boyko attributes the nation’s challenges to corrupt foreign advisors and "enslaving financial agreements" imposed by the West. This aligns with the Kremlin’s narrative of external control, which seeks to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.
Further bolstering the pro-Russian narrative, Boyko’s videos delve into the realm of culture wars, echoing Kremlin rhetoric about Western "devils" corrupting traditional values. He specifically targets "LGBT, transgenders, same-sex marriages," aligning with Russia’s recent focus on these issues as threats to its cultural identity. This rhetoric, coupled with accusations of Western-imposed corruption and economic exploitation, completes the Russian propaganda bingo card. Interestingly, these narratives mirror statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has resurrected old claims about Kyiv violating the Minsk Agreements and "destroying everything connected to Russia." The synchronized messaging between Boyko and the Kremlin raises questions about the MP’s motivations and potential connections to Moscow.
Several factors may explain Boyko’s sudden embrace of TikTok and his amplified pro-Russian rhetoric. While elections are currently prohibited under martial law, speculation about upcoming elections could be motivating Boyko to rally support. His focus on economic hardships and the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) could be seen as an attempt to tap into public anxieties and present himself as a voice for the marginalized. Historically, the OPZZh has capitalized on the IDP issue to gain support in the Donbas region. However, despite these efforts, Boyko and his party remain largely unpopular according to recent polls. President Zelensky’s declining approval ratings and a growing desire for government change after the war could offer an opportunity for a "third-way" narrative, similar to the one Zelensky himself utilized in his successful 2019 campaign. However, this same narrative of a path independent of both Russia and the West has long been exploited by Moscow through proxies like Viktor Medvedchuk.
Boyko’s TikTok strategy may be aimed at multiple audiences beyond Ukrainian voters. His rhetoric could be interpreted as a signal to both the Kremlin and the White House. The verbatim recitation of Russian propaganda could be a bid for Moscow’s attention and potential endorsement. His allusions to American identity politics, alleged misuse of American funds, and the January 2025 deadline – coinciding with the potential inauguration of a new US administration – suggest an attempt to gain favor in Washington. The timing of Boyko’s TikTok account creation, shortly after Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, further fuels speculation about his intentions. This suggests an effort to position himself as a viable alternative to Zelensky, appealing to both Moscow and potentially a Republican administration in Washington.
The reaction to Boyko’s TikTok campaign has been swift and decisive. The State Security Service summoned him for questioning, and the Verkhovna Rada stripped him of his committee membership. This demonstrates a heightened awareness of the risks posed by pro-Russian disinformation. Polling data indicates that Ukrainian society has become more resilient to Russian narratives, with significant declines in support for the Russian language and growing approval of de-Russification efforts. The majority of Ukrainians now support renaming cities and streets associated with Russia and the Soviet past, and a substantial number of congregations have switched from the Moscow Patriarchate to the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. However, the potential for these narratives to resonate with foreign audiences, particularly in the West where "Ukraine fatigue" is growing, remains a concern.
Boyko’s resurgence underscores the need for proactive measures to combat Russian disinformation. While prebuttal strategies by Western governments and intelligence services proved effective in the early stages of the war, the ongoing conflict and evolving information landscape necessitate continued vigilance. The EU must address loopholes that allow Russian propaganda to penetrate European information spaces and build resilience to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). This requires a multi-pronged approach that combines conventional military support for Ukraine with robust efforts to counter disinformation campaigns both within Ukraine and abroad, particularly in countries aspiring to EU membership. Ignoring these resurfacing narratives would be a strategic mistake, potentially undermining Ukraine’s war effort and jeopardizing the stability of the region.
