“The Russian Federation actively uses information and psychological operations (IPSO) as a key element of hybrid war against Ukraine and Western countries. Their goal is destabilization, demoralization, split of society, discredit of Ukraine and its partners, as well as justifying their own aggression. We talk about some of the most famous and common Russian IPSO-Naaras and technicians: the main narratives of Russian IPSO”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
The Russian Federation actively uses information and psychological operations (IPSO) as a key element of hybrid war against Ukraine and Western countries. Their goal is destabilization, demoralization, split of society, discredit of Ukraine and its partners, as well as justifying their own aggression. We talk about some of the most famous and common Russian IPSO-Narios and technicians:
The main narratives of the Russian IPSO
Russian propaganda is constantly typing several key narratives that are the basis for many misinformation campaigns:
- ”Denacification “and” denationalization “of Ukraine: This narrative is one of the central and the most cynical. He claims that Ukraine is allegedly guided by “Nazis” or “neo -Nazis” and the Ukrainian authorities are “junta”. The purpose is to demonize Ukraine, to justify the invasion of “liberation” and to cause associations with the Second World War, where Russia acts as a “liberator”. At the same time, the democratic elections in Ukraine and the Jewish origin of its president are ignored.
- ”Ukraine is a puppet of the event/USA ”: This narrative tries to portray Ukraine as a country that does not have its own sovereignty and is fully controlled by the West (USA, NATO). The purpose is to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, to create the impression that conflict is not Ukraine’s struggle for independence, but a geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the West.
- ”The genocide of the Russian -speaking population ” /” Russian language oppression“: Despite the absence of evidence, this narrative is actively used to justify aggression. It is argued that Ukraine is allegedly” genocide “or cruel oppression of Russian -speaking citizens, which requires” protection “from Russia. It is a game of emotions and internal contradictions.
- ”Ukraine attacks its own population ” /” Armed Forces firing civilians“: This narrative is one of the most subordinates. It places responsibility for the destruction and sacrifices among civilians to Ukraine itself, translating guilt from Russian aggressors. Often used in response to exposing Russian military crimes.
- ”Fatigue from Ukraine ” /” Grain Pum ” /” Ukrainian Refugees – A Problem“: These narratives are aimed at the Western audience and partners of Ukraine. Their goal is to undermine Ukraine’s support, to show its” disadvantage “, to give the impression that helping Ukraine is a burden or even a threat to Western countries.
- ”Biological laboratories “and” Dirty Bomb“: These frankly conspiracy narratives are created to dehumanize Ukrainians and to justify Russia’s actions. They unreasonably claim that Ukraine’s biological weapons or nuclear technologies develop, which is an attempt to create an occasion for escalation or distract.
Techniques used in Russian IPSO
To spread these narratives, Russian propaganda uses a whole arsenal of manipulative techniques:
Fake news and misinformation: Creating and spreading fully fictional news, photos and videos that are aimed at misleading. It is often accompanied by the creation of fake accounts on social networks or “cloning” known media.
”Troll factories “and botherm farms: Mass use of paid commentators (trolls) and automated programs (bots) for the distribution of the required narratives on social networks, in forums, in comments to news. Their goal is to create the illusion of mass support or some public opinion.
Ripping out of context: Real information (photo, video, quote) is taken, but it breaks out of the initial context and is presented in such a way as to create a completely different, distorted impression.
Emotional injection: The use of the most emotionally colored vocabulary, shocking details (often fictional) to cause fear, anger, panic or disgust, bypassing logical thinking.
Gaslleting (Gaslighting): This technique is to make the victim doubt your own memories, perception of reality and adequacy. For example, when obvious facts are denied and the victim is convinced that she is “crazy” or “misunderstood.”
Argument to authority (fake): reference to “experts”, “analysts” or “sources” that do not exist, are not competent or fabricated.
Separate and go: Active use of existing or new conflicts within society (between regions, language groups, political parties) for its weakening and destabilization.
History manipulation: Rewriting historical facts, selective coverage of events, creating myths for justification of present actions and forming the desired image of the past.
Overton windows: The gradual introduction into the public debate of radical or previously unacceptable ideas, making them more familiar and acceptable over time.
How to counter Russian IPSO
The best weapon against Russian IPSO there are Critical thinking and Information hygiene :
- Check the sources: Always question the information, especially if it evokes strong emotions. Check it in several independent, reliable sources.
- Analyze emotions: If the news causes you anger, fear or panic, it can be a sign of manipulation.
- Look for facts: Require confirmation of statements by facts, numbers, references to reputable sources.
- Do not spread unverified information: Even if it seems “plausible”, it is better to check before sharing.
- Develop critical thinking: Learn to recognize manipulative techniques and logical mistakes.
- Trust official sources: In crisis situations, refer to information from the state bodies, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, proven Ukrainian and international media.
Understanding these Russian IPSO-Nariums and technician Allows you to consciously withstand information attacks and protect your information space.
Read also:
IPSO: What you need to know about information and psychological operations
