Russian disinformation targeting the West is not built solely on falsehoods. Its effectiveness lies primarily in the skillful exploitation of myths, simplifications, and narratives that resonate with the expectations of Western political, media, and intellectual elites.
Kremlin propaganda succeeds not because it is especially sophisticated, but because it falls on fertile ground. Grzegorz Ślubowski explores this phenomenon in his essay What Are Westerners Falling For?
The Myth of “Another Russia” — The Foundation of the Kremlin’s Narrative
One of the most common propaganda frameworks is the belief that Russia represents a civilisational exception that should not be judged by Western standards. Within this narrative, authoritarianism, repression, or military aggression are portrayed not as the result of deliberate political choices, but as expressions of “Russian specificity.” This way of thinking relativizes the responsibility of the Russian state and lowers moral and legal expectations toward it.
The Myth of Conservative Russians
Russian propaganda often contrasts a supposedly “conservative” Russia with a “decadent” West. However, the notion of Russia as a deeply conservative society is also a myth. Only about 4% of Russians attend church on a weekly basis, and the country struggles significantly with traditional values. For example, according to sociologists, 70–80% of marriages in Russia end in divorce. With 3.9 divorces per 1,000 residents, Russia ranks among the global leaders in divorce rates, placing it third worldwide.
The Narrative of a “Humiliated Empire”
The essay also highlights the West’s susceptibility to the narrative of Russia’s alleged humiliation following the end of the Cold War. Claims about “broken NATO promises” or the “encirclement of Russia” ignore historical facts and disregard the sovereignty of Central and Eastern European countries. This framing shifts responsibility for aggression away from the aggressor and onto its neighbours—one of the central objectives of Russian disinformation.
False Symmetry and Audience Fatigue
Russian propaganda also effectively exploits the fatigue of Western societies with conflicts. Slogans such as “both sides are to blame” or “the truth lies somewhere in the middle” create a false symmetry that obscures the responsibility of the perpetrator. These narratives require neither deep
knowledge nor serious analysis, yet they effectively undermine clear moral judgments about aggression.
Conclusion: Disinformation as the Fulfilment of Expectations
The analysis demonstrates that Western audiences fall for Russian propaganda not because they fail to understand it, but because certain messages reinforce comfortable illusions. As long as Russia is viewed through the lens of myths rather than facts, Kremlin disinformation will remain a powerful tool in information warfare.
Grzegorz Ślubowski, Mityczna Rosja. Na co nabierają się ludzie Zachodu?
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