Simple English News Daily I was a Russian Propagandist - Stephen talks to Andrew Ryvkin (Part Two)
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Nov 8, 2025 Andrew Ryvkin, a former Russian propagandist and journalist, shares his harrowing journey after leaving Russia post the 2022 Ukraine invasion. He discusses his accurate predictions about the invasion, citing signs like military buildup and new censorship laws. Ryvkin explains how Russian propaganda has morphed into a more aggressive, less sophisticated form. He predicts Russia's eventual defeat in the war and reflects on the implications for media in a post-Putin landscape while teasing insights from his upcoming memoir about his experiences in the propaganda system.
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Preplanned Escape At The Invasion
- Andrew prepared to leave Russia and had everything ready to depart within 24 hours when the invasion began.
- He and his girlfriend left Russia within 24 hours of the full-scale invasion starting.
Clear Signals Before The Invasion
- Andrew flagged multiple signals that made the invasion predictable: troop buildup, new censorship laws, field hospitals and escalatory rhetoric.
- He argues the Kremlin issued ultimatums knowing they would be rejected, indicating they wanted a casus belli.
From War Footing To Entertainment Spin
- Russian propaganda hardened into blunt, militant messaging focused entirely on justifying the Ukraine war domestically and internationally.
- After years of intense messaging the regime is shifting toward entertainment and softer formats because audiences tire of constant militancy.
