Ukrainian embassy in Canada launches project to combat Russian propaganda

The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada is launching events to shed light on Russian disinformation tactics. Ukrainian Consul General in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, emphasizes the need for heightened awareness to counteract Russian influence on Canadian society.

Nov 10, 2024 - 23:00

Ukrainian embassy in Canada launches project to combat Russian propaganda

The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada is launching a series of events aimed at exposing Russian propaganda tactics, reported Ukraine’s Consul General in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, according to Ukrinform.

The project has been initiated after the release of the Russians at War documentary, directed by Anastasia Trofimova, former employee of the Russia Today, a Russian state-controlled international news network. The movie received $340,000 in funding from Canadian taxpayers and sparked significant controversy and criticism for its portrayal of Russian soldiers and the war in Ukraine. Critics argue that the film presents a sympathetic view of the soldiers, depicting them as victims of circumstance rather than aggressors who committed a wide range of war crimes, including against Ukrainian children.

Ukrainian Canadian Congress calls for investigation into budget funding of “Russians at War” film

“Yesterday, we held a very important event in Toronto: a screening of Kornii Hrytsiuk’s film Zinema, which analyzes propaganda, xenophobia, and chauvinism in Russian cinema from the 1990s to today. This screening marked the beginning of a series of events in Canada to raise awareness about Russian disinformation and its impact on Canadian society,” wrote Ukrainian Ambassador Nikolenko.

The official said that particular attention will be given to the methods Russia uses to manipulate media narratives and undermine democratic principles.

“In recent years, Ukraine has gained substantial experience in countering Russian disinformation and covert influence. We are eager to share this knowledge with Canada to strengthen our mutual resilience and enhance security,” emphasized the Consul General.

Previously, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly spoke out against the illegal activities of the Russian state media RT, aimed at weakening allied support for Ukraine.

The official noted that, according to Canadian intelligence, following the start of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine, RT became actively involved in Russia’s global efforts to spread disinformation and exert influence, “acting as an extension of Russian intelligence services and employing state-supported cyber hacking, psychological and information operations, covert influence, and organizing military procurements.”

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