The focus of this research was the identification of pro-Russian narratives in online media reporting (prior to the start of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and in the first month of the war in Ukraine) and their impact on citizens’ perceptions and attitudes.
As part of the research, 152 online media articles were analyzed in the period from November 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022, and four focus groups with citizens (three in Skopje and one in Bitola) were organized during June and July 2022.
The presence of pro-Russian narratives was detected, the most common of which are:
– Exaltation of the power of Russia (great, terrible, decisive, principled, economically and militarily superior).
– Russian aggression against Ukraine is legitimate.
– Weak, corrupt and Nazi Ukraine.
– The war in Ukraine is a market between great powers.
– Criticism and ridicule of NATO, the West and other supporters of Ukraine.
Impact of pro-Russian narratives on citizens (focus groups):
– Superiority of Russia.
– Skepticism towards Western support for Ukraine.
– Negative attitude towards Ukrainian President Zelensky.
– Belief in conspiracy theories.
– The war in Ukraine is not real.
– The West is hypocritical towards Ukraine, but also towards Macedonia.
