578. Valeriia Voshchevska - Starving Putin's War Economy of Income with Strategic Communications Activism
Dec 28, 2024
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Valeriia Voshchevska, a Ukrainian human rights activist and digital strategist with a rich background in global digital engagement, discusses her impactful projects. She reveals how Russian warfare is financed through a shadow fleet of oil tankers and elaborates on her campaign that led Unilever to exit Russia. Valeriia emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies that address the larger narrative of Ukraine's struggles and the interconnectedness of global activism, environmental concerns, and corporate morality.
Valeriia Voshchevska emphasizes the need for communications strategists to adopt a holistic approach, considering broader implications beyond mere audience engagement.
The discussion reveals the alarming connection between Russian oil tankers funding the war against Ukraine and the urgent environmental hazards they present.
Strengthening narratives around personal experiences can effectively counter Russian disinformation, fostering solidarity and awareness across various humanitarian contexts.
Deep dives
The Shadow Fleet's Role in Financing War
A recent project highlighted the significant issue of Russian oil tankers operating under a shadow fleet, which continues to fund the war against Ukraine. Despite a price cap imposed on Russian oil to reduce revenue, these tankers facilitate the transfer of millions of tons of oil, primarily to countries like India, thereby sustaining Russia's military expenditures. The oil sales directly translate into military resources, including missiles and ammunition, making it imperative to raise public awareness about the shadow fleet's activities. This project not only focuses on the financial implications but also on the environmental hazards associated with these aging tankers that often lack proper standards.
Impact of Visual Evidence on Public Awareness
Recent incidents, including oil spills caused by crumbling tankers in the Black Sea, have provided compelling visual evidence to amplify the message against the shadow fleet. Images of environmental devastation can galvanize public opinion and create a narrative that connects the ecological impact of these tankers with the ongoing war efforts. The use of such striking visuals serves as a vital communication tool, making the issue more relatable and urgent to the broader audience. Such images can potentially lead to increased pressure on policymakers to take action against these practices.
Developing a Cohesive Communication Strategy
Establishing an effective communication strategy is crucial in connecting a wider audience to the ongoing issues faced by Ukraine. There is a recognition that messaging should not only target policymakers but must engage the general public to foster a comprehensive understanding of the conflict's nuances. By integrating climate activists and other groups aligned with anti-fossil fuel initiatives, the campaign aims to build solidarity among different movements, thus broadening public engagement. This dual-target approach ensures that both grassroots and political actions coalesce to exert meaningful influence.
Combating Russian Disinformation Tactics
The complex nature of Russian propaganda poses substantial challenges to effective communication regarding Ukraine's situation. It is vital to acknowledge Russia's long history of employing disinformation strategies that have been refined over decades. To counter these efforts, it is suggested that focus should be placed on building strong narratives rooted in the realities experienced by individuals and communities affected by the war. By centering personal stories and lived experiences, communicators can effectively transcend simplistic narratives and resonate more profoundly with audiences.
Solidarity Across Conflicts
Promoting solidarity between different movements and conflicts can create a powerful narrative that highlights shared experiences and struggles. Individuals from various backgrounds, including those from Syria and Afghanistan, have expressed support for Ukraine, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their fight against oppression. While acknowledging the unique challenges faced by each conflict, it is essential to foster conversations that bridge gaps between different humanitarian crises. This collaborative ethos not only raises awareness of injustices faced across regions but promotes a united front against shared adversities.
In this episode of Fog of War, co-hosts Jonathan Fink and Yaroslava
Bukhta sit down with Valeriia Voshchevska, a Ukrainian human rights
activist and digital strategist working with UNITED24.Media and several
other impactful projects. Valeriia, formerly the Global Head of Digital
Engagement at Amnesty International, brings her expertise in
communications and activism to the conversation.
Valeriia shares her work on the intersection of communications,
activism, and environmental movements. She talks about her recent
project with the Ukraine Solidarity Project, which highlighted how
Russian warfare is being funded through a shadow fleet of oil tankers
passing near the EU. Valeriia also discusses the digital campaign that
successfully pushed Unilever to sell its business in Russia.
In this episode, we explore:
🔹 Why communications strategists need to look beyond just the audience
and focus on the bigger picture.
🔹 The interconnectedness of the war in Ukraine, global environmental
concerns, and activism.
🔹 Ukraine’s external communication strategy and the importance of
crafting a message that resonates with a global audience.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that connects the dots
between activism, war, and strategic communication.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay
updated on new episodes!
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View Yaroslava’s profile Yaroslava Bukhta:
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https://www.anthro.ox.ac.uk/people/yaroslava-bukhta
https://www.ukrainer.net/authors/yaroslava-bukhta-2/
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