Propaganda, often subtly and insidiously, alters how we perceive the world around us. It can transform uncomfortable truths into palatable falsehoods, and even rationalize war as a quest for peace. Unlike a direct command that instantly compels action, propaganda’s influence is a gradual reshaping of beliefs, slowly but surely steering individuals towards a desired mindset. This isn’t just about catchy slogans; it’s a deep-seated manipulation that can profoundly impact choices and behaviors, especially in times of conflict. A recent groundbreaking study by the non-governmental group LingvaLexa, supported by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and involving an international expert in social psychology, delved into the profound impact of Kremlin propaganda on individuals involved in the war in Ukraine. Their aim was to move beyond simply analyzing rhetoric and instead identify tangible links between the ideological narratives pushed by Moscow and the actual actions and motivations of soldiers on the battlefield.
To understand the core beliefs driving Russian soldiers, the researchers conducted an extensive survey of 1,060 Russian prisoners of war. They used meticulously crafted questionnaires and validated psychometric tools to gauge the extent to which these soldiers had internalized the Kremlin’s military narratives about the “Special Military Operation” (SMO). The results were stark and undeniable: there were clear, measurable connections between a soldier’s belief in Russian military propaganda and their perceptions, emotions, and decisions during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A staggering 76.95% of the surveyed soldiers had absorbed at least one Kremlin propaganda narrative to some degree, and nearly 70% (68.29%) genuinely believed the SMO was legitimate, necessary, and justified. This wasn’t merely a passive acceptance; for soldiers who more strongly bought into these narratives, the impact was profound. They were six times more likely to consider the invasion justified, almost twice as likely to express a willingness to return to combat even after being captured, significantly more prone to dehumanizing Ukrainians and normalizing violence, and substantially less likely to surrender voluntarily, thereby prolonging the brutal conflict. This research powerfully illustrates that propaganda isn’t just a backdrop to war; it’s a powerful engine driving it, transforming soldiers from potentially reluctant participants into fervent, ideologically committed fighters. It challenges the common misconception that Russian soldiers are simply coerced into fighting, revealing instead a deep-seated conviction fueled by carefully constructed narratives.
What’s particularly chilling is the revelation that this ideological commitment stretches far beyond the front lines in Ukraine. The study uncovered that the core narratives of Kremlin disinformation aren’t solely focused on Ukraine, but systematically target the West. These narratives frame the war not just as a conflict against Kyiv, but as a defensive crusade against NATO, Europe, and what Moscow portrays as a decadent and aggressive Western order. This broad framing suggests a far-reaching strategic intent, aiming to sow discord and undermine Western unity. The messaging employed by the Kremlin to justify its aggression is heavily reliant on these anti-Western themes. Many of the narratives assessed in the study focused on legitimizing the “SMO” by presenting it as a defensive and preventive war against perceived Western expansionism. Examples of statements that resonated with the POWs included: “Ukraine is a puppet of the West,” “NATO is waging a war against Russia through Ukraine,” “the invasion is a necessary defensive step to prevent an inevitable Western attack,” and even outlandish claims like “NATO has biolaboratories in Ukraine to attack Russia” and “the SMO is a crusade for moral values against Western ‘perversions’ (for example, LGBT).”
The study revealed a disturbingly high level of belief in these anti-Western narratives among Russian prisoners of war, with these narratives comprising nearly half (45%) of the state-sponsored justifications for the war. For instance, an alarming 80% of soldiers believed to some extent that “NATO is waging a war against Russia through Ukraine” and that “Russia is fighting against NATO.” This strong adherence suggests that Russia’s military propaganda isn’t a spur-of-the-moment tactic but a component of a long-term, meticulously coordinated campaign that transcends the immediate conflict in Ukraine. Ideologically, this framework positions Russia as the guardian of “primordial Russian values” against “Western decadence,” effectively transforming the conflict into a spiritual battle between a morally upright “Russian world” and a corrupt, immoral West. Geopolitically, these Kremlin narratives depict Russia’s aggressive war as a pre-emptive strike against an “anti-Russian” Western puppet—the current Ukrainian administration, which is falsely branded as a “Nazi regime” installed by the 2014 Maidan “coup.” What’s even more striking is that, when individually analyzed, there was no statistically significant difference in motivating soldiers between anti-Western narratives and other propaganda claims. This means that anti-Western sentiments were just as powerful in driving soldiers to dehumanize Ukrainians, fight to the bitter end, and even contemplate re-enlisting after capture. This finding unequivocally demonstrates that this information war extends far beyond Ukraine’s borders, aiming not only to mobilize Russian soldiers but also to dismantle the unity and values of European societies. Through the eyes of these Russian soldiers, the study reveals a perception of already being at war with Europe, fighting NATO on Ukrainian soil.
These study results hold immense importance for both law enforcement and the development of public policy. They establish a clear foundation for international and national judicial institutions to prove the profound role of state propaganda in the commission of the crime of aggression. Propaganda, in this light, is not merely an informational backdrop; it is a full-fledged weapon of war—a psychological tool that facilitates societal mobilization and garners support for aggressive military actions. To truly uphold the principle of “never again,” it is crucial to hold accountable those who, by twisting words into instruments of influence, contributed to the perpetration of an aggressive war against Ukraine. This also involves strengthening deterrence and prevention by sending a clear signal that propaganda used to enable aggression will not escape the reach of justice.
Furthermore, the actions of propagandists who serve as mouthpieces for aggressive state policy should be legally redefined as complicity in the crime of aggression. This means acknowledging their substantial contribution to the actions of the highest political and military leadership. The study unequivocally shows that the narratives these propagandists craft have a direct and measurable impact on military mobilization and combat motivation. While international law obliges states to prohibit war propaganda, the current sanctions for such actions remain woefully insufficient. The responsibility must extend beyond the direct perpetrators to include the highest echelons of power that meticulously plan, coordinate, and utilize propaganda as a driving mechanism of aggression. It must also encompass mid-level actors who operationalize, disseminate, and sustain these narratives within the broader propaganda apparatus. This comprehensive approach aligns more accurately with the principles of justice and international criminal law, ensuring that all who contribute to the weaponization of information are held accountable for their role in enabling atrocities.