Russia systematically uses cinema, TV series, and documentaries as a tool of information warfare against Ukraine. Through feature films, pseudo-documentary projects, and international festivals, the Kremlin attempts to justify aggression, legitimize the occupation of Ukrainian territories, and promote anti-Ukrainian narratives abroad. This is stated in an analytical report by the Center for Countering Disinformation, reports UNN.
Details
The Center emphasizes that modern Russian film propaganda has long moved beyond traditional political agitation and is increasingly disguised as a cultural or documentary product.
The main danger of such products lies in masking propaganda messages as cultural, documentary, or auteur content. Through emotional stories, images of "ordinary people," testimonies of alleged eyewitnesses, and shifting accents, the Kremlin tries to legitimize its aggression and discredit Ukraine, particularly in the eyes of a foreign audience
Who finances Russian film propaganda
According to the CCD, the production and distribution of such content is ensured by an entire network of state structures, media, and production centers. One of the key tools for financing propaganda projects is the Russian "Internet Development Institute" (IRI), whose budget in 2026 exceeds 25 billion rubles.
At the same time, the RT network and its documentary branch, RT Documentary, play an important role in the international promotion of Russian narratives.
Films and series to justify aggression
The report emphasizes that Russian feature films and series are used for emotional impact on the viewer and to form a picture of the war favorable to the Kremlin.
Among the examples, the CCD names the series "20/22," which heroizes members of Russian occupation forces and presents the destruction of Mariupol as "liberation," as well as the film "The Witness," where accusations against the Ukrainian military are promoted through the image of a foreigner.
Occupied Crimea in Russian films
Films about occupied Crimea occupy a special place.
Armed aggression is presented through a romantic story as a "bloodless natural choice" of the population, aiming to legitimize the temporary occupation of the peninsula
How propaganda reaches an international audience
The Center also drew attention to the problem of the international distribution of such materials. According to analysts, the screening of Russian propaganda films at festivals, streaming services, cultural centers, and universities creates an effect of legitimacy and contributes to the spread of anti-Ukrainian narratives.
The appearance of Russian propaganda audiovisual products at festivals, streaming platforms, universities, cultural centers, or media platforms creates an effect of "legitimacy," which helps to consolidate anti-Ukrainian narratives as a supposedly alternative position
What measures the CCD proposes
The CCD calls for strengthening the monitoring of Russian audiovisual content, analyzing its sources of funding, and considering the possibility of applying sanctions against individuals involved in the creation and promotion of propaganda products.
"Russian propaganda audiovisual content requires systematic monitoring, analysis of funding sources, tracking of distribution channels, and public disclosure of links to the aggressor state," the Center concluded.
Putin is a result of the Russian worldview, it must be changed - CCD10.06.26, 20:58