A recent Russian TV article titled “Zelensky Accuses Trump of Repeating ‘Russian Disinformation’” presents a distorted narrative surrounding statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
False & Misleading Claims About Approval Ratings
Claim: The article states that Trump claimed Zelensky’s approval rating is at 4% and labels this as Russian disinformation.
Fact Check: The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) released data in January 2024 showing that 57% of Ukrainians expressed trust in Zelensky, contradicting Trump’s assertion. However, the article subtly amplifies Trump’s false claim while downplaying verified polling data.
Propaganda Tactic: The article presents Trump’s statement without refuting it outright, allowing the misinformation to linger in readers’ minds while briefly mentioning KMIS findings as an afterthought.
Framing to Undermine Zelensky’s Legitimacy
Claim: The article questions Zelensky’s legitimacy by stating that his term expired and that he failed to transfer power as required by the Ukrainian Constitution.
Fact Check: Zelensky extended his presidency due to martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion, a legal move under Ukrainian constitutional provisions. Elections were postponed as holding them during wartime would pose security risks and logistical challenges.
Propaganda Tactic: The article strategically omits crucial context, making it seem like Zelensky is unlawfully clinging to power rather than operating under emergency war measures.
Emotional & Negative Framing of Ukraine’s Situation
Claim: The article quotes Trump saying Ukraine is “blown to smithereens” and “nearly impossible to live in.”
Fact Check: While Ukraine faces severe challenges due to Russia’s invasion, such hyperbolic statements ignore the resilience of Ukrainian citizens and the ongoing governance despite the war. Cities continue functioning, and international aid bolsters infrastructure recovery.
Propaganda Tactic: The exaggerated language paints Ukraine as a failed state to justify Russian narratives about the war and erode international support for Kyiv.
Legitimizing Russian Negotiation Stance
Claim: The article states that Russian officials doubt Zelensky’s ability to negotiate peace and suggest his agreements could be challenged.
Fact Check: Russia has frequently attempted to delegitimize Zelensky as a negotiation strategy, yet Ukraine remains internationally recognized, and any agreements signed under his leadership would be legally binding.
Propaganda Tactic: The article casts doubt on Zelensky’s authority while subtly portraying Russia as a reasonable actor willing to negotiate peace, despite its continued aggression.
A Classic Example of Russian Media Manipulation
This Russian TV article distorts facts by selectively presenting information, using negative framing, and amplifying misinformation without directly verifying or refuting false claims.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s claim about Zelensky’s approval rating is demonstrably false but is framed as plausible.
- The article omits legal justification for Zelensky’s extended term to cast doubt on his legitimacy.
- Emotional, exaggerated language about Ukraine’s situation supports Russia’s war narrative.
- Russian negotiation tactics are portrayed as reasonable, while Ukraine’s leadership is undermined.
By recognizing these propaganda techniques, readers can critically assess media sources and identify misleading narratives designed to manipulate public opinion.
