FT News Briefing FT Weekend: How Russia weaponizes disinformation
Mar 19, 2022
Natalia Antelava, editor-in-chief of Coda Story and seasoned journalist, shares her insights on Russia's sophisticated disinformation tactics in Ukraine. She discusses the Kremlin's strategic manipulation of narratives to shape public perception, emphasizing the historical context since 2014. Antelava highlights the severe repercussions of fake news on local and global understanding of conflicts, including efforts to incite division in the West. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing and combating disinformation amidst ongoing support for Ukraine.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Crimean Charade
- In Crimea in 2014, masked gunmen without insignia appeared and seized control.
- Putin denied they were Russian soldiers, creating confusion for journalists.
Little Green Men
- Russia used the term "little green men" to describe soldiers in Crimea, creating doubt.
- Western media's repetition of this term amplified the disinformation.
Fake War on TV
- Russian TV portrayed a fake war in eastern Ukraine, using footage from other conflicts.
- This manipulation fueled confusion among locals, ultimately contributing to real conflict.